12 December 2003 Morris Plains, NJ Lightwave -- Xtellus, a maker of dynamic optical modules and components for reconfigurable optical networks, announced will supply Korea Photonics Technology Institute (KOPTI) with its Dynamic Blocker Equalizer wavelength blocker technology.
KOPTI was established in 2001 with a $130 million grant from the Korean government to assist photonics companies in the development and commercialization of new technologies.
Xtellus and KOPTI have signed a memorandum of cooperation to work together to accelerate the deployment of advanced fiber-optic applications in the Republic of Korea. As an initial activity KOPTI will use the wavelength blocker technology to develop and showcase reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexer (ROADM) applications. KOPTI also will work with Xtellus's subsidiary in Korea that fabricates liquid crystal processors for telecommunications applications to identify, create, and accelerate the commercialization of Xtellus fiber-optic products.
"KOPTI has outstanding credentials in bridging the photonics technology and industry covering R&D and qualification," said Gil Cohen, president and CEO, Xtellus. "We are delighted to have them as a partner to expedite the acceptance of our dynamic optical products in the Korean market and also to help us obtain more value from our liquid crystal fab in Daejon."
The Korean government is granting $750 million over the next five years to Gwangju City to build a photonics infrastructure, at whose heart is KOPTI. To support Korean researchers and companies KOPTI is equipped with long-haul and metro DWDM and WDM-PON testbeds as well as a Telcordia qualification lab. In addition, KOPTI's subsystem FAB Line Program will fill a gap between new business startups and venture capitalists by supporting prototyping, pilot production, and marketing.
"Anybody from the world with a new breakthrough technology concept, talents, and team is welcome to Gwangju," said Dr. Sang-Sam CHOI, president of KOPTI. "We are happy to have a chance to work with Xtellus in this field."