Teem Photonics, a provider of ultra-compact photonic solutions for high bandwidth optical networks and pioneer in Erbium doped waveguide amplifiers (EDWAs), announced it has acquired the technology of former competitor Northstar Photonics in an undisclosed deal.

"The acquisition will accelerate Teem's EDWA development program and significantly reduce time-to-market", says Antoine Kevorkian, chief executive officer at Teem. "Moreover, this move further increases our competitiveness in optical amplifiers."

Minneapolis-based Northstar specialized in developing and producing POWRE lasers and amplifiers. As a result of this strategic initiative, Teem will receive a series of patents and applications, including their derivatives, as well as trademarks and technological know-how in the transfer.

Both management teams believe the convergence of their respective technologies will allow for devices that neither company, alone, could have produced.

"At OFC, 1300 companies exhibited" says James McKenzie, vice president of marketing and business development at Teem. "Given the over capacity in the industry, those numbers will be drastically reduced. Teem has taken steps to strengthen its position in the current cycle."

For more information about Teem Photonics (Grenoble, France), visit the company's website at www.teemphotonics.com.