RED-C and Xtellus collaborate on tunable filter for next-generation optical amplifier

4 February 2004 Tel Aviv, Israel, and Morris Plains, NJ Lightwave -- RED-C, manufacturer of dynamic fiber-optic amplifiers, and Xtellus, maker of dynamic optical modules and components for reconfigurable optical networks, are cooperating to implement a tunable filter for use in RED-C's self-managed optical amplifier. The joint project is partially funded by KORIL, the Israeli-Korean bi-national R&D fund.

RED-C's self-managed amplifier uses the tunable filter to screen and analyze the signals' spectral shape, thus allowing it to self-set its performance without management system interference. Incorporating various optical modules at its mid-stage access, the amplifier will further improve system OSNR and reliability, will simplify network's design, and will materially reduce its cost, say RED-C representatives. Based on the company's design for variable-gain EDFAs, the amplifier is designated to serve as fundamental element in future optical networks.

"Being a pioneer in launching the dynamic (variable-gain) amplifier, RED-C is pursuing further its technology edge by launching the self-managed amplifier that constitutes an important step in the evolution of optical amplifiers
," explains Yossi Boker, CEO and co-founder of RED-C. "Xtellus' tunable filter is designed to meet RED-C's needs, providing it with a highly reliable and cost-effective component for building its self-managed amplifier."

The tunable filter is based on Xtellus' proprietary liquid crystal optical processors that are fabricated at its facility in South Korea. It features no moving parts for long-term reliability and will be the first tunable optical filter developed specifically for integrated use within an amplifier, reports the company.

"We built our liquid crystal fabrication facility in South Korea to provide Xtellus with the core technology for a family of dynamic optical components," adds Gil Cohen, president and CEO of Xtellus. "We are currently shipping our lead product, the Dynamic Blocker Equalizer wavelength blocker, and we view tunable filters as a key complementary element for reconfigurable optical networks. We are very pleased to have RED-C as a customer."