AUGUST 1, 2008 -- ElectroniCast Consultants (search for ElectroniCast), in a new market forecast and analysis report, says that long-haul and high-data-rate links are forecasted to capture the global optical modulator market share lead during the 2007-2012 timeline. During the forecast period, bandwidth expansion demands will push for creation of new network links, incorporating metro core, metro/access, long haul, WDM, OADM, and other system-based deployments, the company adds.
Competitive alternatives to electro-optical (E-O) including electro-absorption (EA), indium phosphide (InP), and Mach-Zehnder (M-Z) modulator integration among others are being developed. Packaging is a key driver, along with the main multiple: economics.
"Without the cost-effectiveness (competitive unit price-points) of the component and a suitable package, as well as meeting customer specification demands, a particular modulator will not be successful. The technology advancements are secondary to the packaging and cost issues," said Stephen Montgomery, president of ElectroniCast Consultants � APAC and the director of the fiber optics component group at the firm.
The report presents the optical modulator market in three segments: EA type, E-O type, and "other." In 2007, E-O optical communication external modulators, typically utilizing lithium niobate as a base, held a 33.8 percent market share of global consumption ($150.9 million), according to ElectroniCast Consultants. The acceptance of lithium niobate as a material used in external amplitude and phase modulators results from its low optical loss and high electro-optic coefficient.
"As the demand for bandwidth continues to increase, it will be necessary to deploy low-ost optical communication links that are closer to the end user than ever before," Montgomery said.
The five-year market forecast is available immediately for the fee of $7,200 from ElectroniCast Consultants.