Provisioning platform
The OSX 5000 is a single-switch multiservice provisioning platform that can map thousands of traditional SONET/TDM circuits, hundreds of thousands of ATM circuits, and Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet users onto the fiber network without the complexity associated with multiple switch fabrics. The product can act as a standards-compliant TDM crossconnect supporting more than 9,000 VT1.5 circuits, an ATM switch supporting more than 230,000 PVCs, a wire-speed 10/100/1000 Ethernet switch, or a wire-speed OC-48 IP switch.
Ocular Networks Inc., Reston, VA
Raman telecom module
The RMS-2 flat super Raman telecom module is a system-ready, multiwavelength super Raman pump source designed to provide flat Raman gain from 1,530 to 1,565 nm. Super Raman pumping produces distributed Raman gain in transmission fibers, which provides up to 2.5 dB of extra margin improvement compared to conventional Raman pumping. The RMS-2 features individual hot-swap replaceable pump laser diodes, which result in a lower FIT value for the module as a whole.
MPB Communications Inc.
Pointe-Claire, Quebec, Canada
Optical application router
The Optical Applications Router 5 (OAR 5) with tunable-wavelength selection is a one-box solution that allows users to directly access application services on the optical metro network by vertically integrating per-application bandwidth policing, IP routing, and SONET add/drop multiplexing with tunable WDM laser technology. The OAR 5 comes with a directory-based policy-management system that allows service providers to set network-usage policies for good performance of a variety of applications.
Atoga Systems Inc., Fremont, CA
Optical-edge platform
The ONS15327 optical-edge platform delivers optical transport to the edge of metro networks. This platform enables service providers to deploy Internet-scale, carrier-class services rapidly. With its multiservice flexibility, customers can deliver TDM and IP optical services to meet increasing demands.
Cisco Systems, Petaluma, CA
DWDM/ATM platform
The XDM is created for carriers' next-generation, multilayer, multiservice, hybrid optical metro and regional networks that are scalable and architecturally flexible. It is a five-in-one platform that integrates DWDM, ADM (SONET/SDH), data, DCS, and point-and-click provisioning onto a single system for end-to-end, on-demand services provisioning across multiple network layers. XDM's build-as-you-grow features enable carriers to begin with small networks with ring topology and later migrate to mesh networks with tiered protection schemes.
Lightscape Networks, an ECI Telecom Co., Herndon, VA
Optical switch
The Aurora optical switch has 512 ports and is designed to switch high-speed optical signals while converging multiple network layers. The StarNet OS delivers standards-based intelligence to optical networks, allowing carriers to implement cost-effective mesh networks while providing ring-like restoration performance. The StarNet wavelength-management system provides wavelength management and lets carriers customize their optical services. The StarNet planner and modeler offers advanced network planning and simulation tools that carriers can use to optimize their network performance at low cost.
Tellium Inc., Oceanport, NJ
Metro EDWA
The Metro erbium-doped waveguide amplifier (EDWA) is a complete, ultra-compact gain block for metropolitan optical networks. It includes pump laser with TEC cooler, pump/signal multiplexer, pump-blocking filter on output, a tap coupler with photodiode for output monitoring, and an output isolator. The Metro EDWA delivers 10 dB of gain over the entire C-band in a 13x2.7x1.3-cm package. Delivery options include a plug-and-play evaluation board and control software. Polarization-maintaining versions are also available.
Teem Photonics, Meylan, France
DWDM open platform
This 160-channel athermal DWDM open platform is a complete set of modules and components necessary to build high-capacity 1.6-Tbit/sec optical-telecommunications systems. The platform is fully upgradeable, scalable, compact, and athermal. A fiber-optic system may be built using a small initial number of DWDM channels and later scaled for high channel counts by adding additional modules and components. The system is bidirectional and may be employed as either a multiplexer or demultiplexer.
Oplink Communications Inc., San Jose, CA
This optical-performance monitor provides precise measurements of both optical power and wavelength for every C-band channel. The product has ultra-high dynamic range of 60 dB, allowing the monitoring of optical channels independently of channel variations of transport power. The module's high optical-power sensitivity permits optical-performance monitoring with negligible effect on the signal power. Standard offering includes GUI and connections for CO alarms.
Lightchip Inc., Salem, MA
Erbium-doped fiber amplifier
The EDFA 1000 uses 980/1,480-nm technology for generating output power up to 18 dBm in single stage and up to 23 dBm in dual stage. The noise figure is less than 0.5 dB. The front panel is equipped with backlight LCD display and push buttons that display operation status. The output power for certain applications can be decreased to 3 dB via an internal control circuit. The EDFA 1000 is especially fit for the cable-TV and telecom industries.
Technology Thesaurus Corp., Kaohsiung, Taiwan
AWG/arrayed VOA module
The V-Mux is a device enabling a new generation of flexible WDM system architectures. Based on the company's P-core silica-on-silicon planar-lightguide-circuit technology, the product integrates the functionality of an AWG multiplexer and an arrayed variable optical attenuator. Offering complete control over AWG wavelength alignment and individual channel power, the V-Mux is available in 8- to 40-channel, 50- or 100-GHz grid configurations.
SDL Inc., San Jose, CA
radius-control module
The RCM provides the BICSI-recommended minimum bend radius for fiber-optic cables, is molded of UL94V-0 flame-retardant impact-resistant polycarbonate, and rigid enough to withstand large bundle loads. NEBS compliant, the RCM speeds up wiring integration efforts and increases productivity. The RCM snaps on to any sheet-metal edge up to 0.104 inches, retained horizontally by a zinc-plated carbon steel clip. It also may be screw-mounted perpendicular to the cabinet.
Device Technologies Inc.
Marlborough, MA
Transceiver/transponder
The 10-Gbit/sec MSA long-reach transceiver/transponder module has a small form factor and can achieve distances greater than 80 km for OC-192 transmission without the need for optical amplification. The long-reach module is compliant to the MSA 300 PIN small-form-factor specifications. The module includes 10-Gbit/sec optics and 622-MHz electronics. The unit is designed using a CW DFB laser, lithium- niobate modulator, and is available with a PIN or APD receiver, depending on the users' requirements.
JDS Uniphase, Eindhoven, Netherlands
Optical subsystem,The TetraPak40 optical subsystem enables optical systems to deliver aggregated speed up to 40 Gbits/sec in a 6.5x3.3x0.6-inch footprint. The product serializes 64 differential LVDS electrical signals into four 10-Gbit/sec serial-optical-data output stream and does the opposite on the other side. Clock synthesis, clock recovery, and input reference clock cleanup circuits are also included within the module. The product supports SONET/SDH OC-192/STM-64, Gigabit Ethernet standard, and SONET FEC (10.664-Gbit/sec) rate.
CENiX, Allentown, PA
Thin-film-filter ADM,This all-passive, filter-based, high-isolation 50-GHz optical add-drop multiplexer achieves -1 dB passband bandwidth minimum of lc ±-0.06 nm over operating conditions from -5°C to +55°C. The product offers low insertion loss, high directivity, an epoxy-free optical path, and low polarization-dependent loss. The 50-GHz module is available in standard ITU wavelengths and with package dimensions of 126x93x15 mm.
Alliance Fiber Optic Products Inc., Sunnyvale, CA
Backplane connector system
FiberGate is an optical-fiber backplane connector system that incorporates 1.25-mm ceramic ferrules to provide four individually aligned terminations in the space of a single SC. Shutters ensure cleanliness, and full-floating mounting ensures positive alignment on boards.
Huber & Suhner Inc., Essex Jct., VT
Tunable transmitter
The MTX-TEML tunable transmitter has three sections: gain, phase, and Bragg. Electronic quasi-tuning is achieved by injecting current into the phase and Bragg sections, and up to 16 channels of tuning is possible with a switching time of less than 10 microsec. In DWDM systems, the product can back up 16 EMLs. Built into the module are the microcontroller, temperature controller, current sources, and modulator driver-as well as a wavelength reference interface and monitoring functions.
Multiplex, S. Plainfield, NJ
Dispersion-management device
The Hi-Mode dispersion-management device manages an effect in optical transport fiber-chromatic dispersion. The product manages dispersion and dispersion slope continuously across all wavelengths in the C-and L-bands, maximizing available bandwidth on the fiber; matches dispersion and dispersion-slope characteristics for any fiber type over any span distance; and yields a low insertion loss and handles high optical power levels without introducing non-linearities.
LaserComm Inc., Plano, TX
Glass-ceramic materials
NEX negative-expansion glass-ceramics materials display negative thermal expansion. The NEX-1 (CTE: -8 ppm/°C) may be utilized as a mount for athermalized packaging of fiber-Bragg grating components. The product eliminates the need for active temperature control and reduces component cost by simplifying the mounting structure. The NEX-1 is environmentally stable and can be machined into complicated shapes.
Ohara Corp., Somerville, NJ
Micro fiber collimator
The FCS10 micro fiber collimator uses the company's SELFOC micro lens and is optimized for a working distance of 100 mm. The collimator is specified to have insertion loss below 0.25 dB. The beam diameter at 100 mm is approximately 490 microns. Measuring 12 mm in length, the collimator includes either a glass or stainless-steel ferrule. The glass ferrule has an outer diameter of 1.4 mm, and the stainless steel's is 1.25 mm.
NSG America Inc., Somerset, NJ
Power monitor
This DWDM power monitor is a real-time power monitor for DWDM equipment control in complex DWDM networks. One of the primary applications is in EDFAs, where dynamic range of the erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) can be increased dramatically, thereby securing a more flexible network and driving down operational costs. Other applications will be for monitoring configurable optical add/drop multiplexers.
ADC, Minneapolis
Gain Equalizer
This dynamic gain equalizer uses an optical-waveguide technology and enables the spectral response curve of an optical amplifier to be adjusted remotely and dynamically. The equalizer is a seventh-order finite impulse response filter consisting of a cascaded series of tunable couplers and delay arm stages. The device operates over a spectral range of 40 nm and has a dynamic range of 15 dB with an accuracy of ~0.5 dB.
Kymata Ltd./IBM, Livingston, Scotland
PIN receiver
The 10-Gbit/sec PIN receiver enhances performance in current optical networks and includes a gallium arsenide transimpedance amplifier, SMA output connector, and is in a hermetically sealed package. Other features include high sensitivity (-19 dbM at a bit-error rate of 10-10), low dark current, low capacitance, high overload, and wide bandwidth.
Sensors Unlimited Inc., Princeton, NJ
Lensed-fiber assembly
The fiber end of this lensed fiber is polished for self-focusing, which enables it to make full use of optical power by pump lasers. The product has also been hermetically sealed in order to keep the hermeticity inside the optical-device packages. Its technology can be applied to passive and active devices.
Seikoh Giken Co. Ltd., Matsudo-Shi, Chiba, Japan
SC-LC adapter
This fiber-optic SC-LC conversion adapter is a solution for hybrid applications where new small form factors are incorporated into traditional SC configurations. The hybrid adapter contains a high-precision sleeve, which ensures the reliable mating of the SC and LC ferrules, resolving the problem of incompatibility due to the difference in ferrule diameter. The result is a high-performance hybrid adapter with low insertion and return loss.
SENKO Advanced Components Inc., Southboro, MA
LC connector
The Hotaru LC connector introduces the next generation of fiber-optic connectivity for premise, telecommunications, and broadband applications. By employing features from the RJ-45 telephone plug and the high-quality ferrule, the LC provides better productivity and economy.
Rikei Corp. of America, Sneville, GA
Optical switch
This optical switch features low insertion loss, high return loss, low crosstalk, high switch speed, low power consumption, and high reliability in a micro package. This technology offers a wide variety of fiber-optic applications, including telecommunications, data communications, system monitoring, and computer testing requirements.
ChynOptics Technologies Inc., Hsinchu, Taiwan
Photonic fiber
Manufactured with the company's outside vapor-deposition process, the PureMode ER 1550C3 photonic fiber offers gain-ripple improvement compared with other erbium-doped fibers used in C-band amplifier applications. Combined with reliability and high-volume manufacturing capability, the product works well for many C-band applications where low gain ripple is critical.
Corning Inc., Corning, NY
Laser-diode driver
The ADN2840 is a 2.5-Gbit/sec laser-diode driver with dual-loop control of laser-diode average power and extinction ratio. This design optimizes laser performance by working with standard monitor photodiodes to continuously sense the optical output power and correct for variations caused by changes in operating temperature and laser-diode degradation over time.
Analog Devices Inc., Norwood, MA
Mux/VOA modules
The BKM-55000 family of ASOC Mux/VOA modules integrate 40 variable optical attenuators with a high-port-count AWG WDM multiplexer on a single ASOC silicon chip. The devices have good insertion loss and low power consumption, giving the system the power to self-optimize to achieve maximum span lengths. This solution features 40 DWDM channels with a 100-GHz spacing and a 10-dB variable attenuation range. A digital interface and temperature controller is included.
Bookham Technology plc, Oxon, UK
Tunable bandpass filter
The AgileWave tunable bandpass filter is a digitally programmable, tunable grating module that enables routing of individual DWDM channels for optical-performance monitoring and diagnostics as well as tunable receivers. The device is accurately settable via a digital command to pass any 50-GHz ITU channel with the device operating band. Tuning is accomplished in an "optically open-loop" mode with good precision and repeatability, without wavelength referencing or spectrum analysis.
CiDRA Corp., Wallingford, CT
LD module
The AF4G407SX/HX is a 1.4-micron-band high-power LD module with fiber Bragg grating. Wavelengths covered are between 1,460-1,490 nm and high optical output, Pf, and low LD driving current are provided. The 14-pin butterfly module internally equips monitor photodiode and thermoelectric cooler. The center wavelength, at 700 mA RMS (-20 dB) is +1-1 nm and spectral width, and at 700 mA (-10dB) is 3.5 nm. Singlemode or polarization-maintaining fiber is available.
Anritsu Corp., Atsugi, Kanagawa, Japan
SFF connector
The F-3000 is a small-form-factor connector that features two component ferrules of 1.25 mm, which allows active core alignment, integrated spring-loaded protective cap and metal shutters in the mating adapters for high laser protection, full compatibility with LC standard, high packing density and modular construction, and mating repeatability in PC and APC versions. The product is also suitable for simplex, duplex, and backplane applications.
DIAMOND SA, Losone, Switzerland
Optical preamplifier
The 1907 OFA compact preamplifier is dedicated to high-bit-rate telecommunications applications such as optical crossconnects, metropolitan networks, and DWDM systems. Currently available for 2.5-Gbit/sec, 10-Gbit/sec, and 40-Gbit/sec preamplification applications, the 1907 OFA features improved optical and electrical performance, reducing the noise factor to typical 5 dB as well as power consumption to typical 3.5 W. Its size, 70x90x12 mm3, is made possible by using a new pump package.
Alcatel Optronics, Nozay Cedex, France
Tunable LD
The FLD5F15CA is a 20-mW, four-channel tunable CW LD intended for use in conjunction with an external modulator in DWDM and SONET/SDH applications. The device is packaged in an industry-standard 14-pin butterfly-type package. The product can be tuned across 2.4 nm via adjustment of the chip temperature with the included TEC. The included wave locker allows the user to effectively "lock" the output wavelength to the desired channel to within ±20 pm accuracy across temperature and aging. A 50-GHz offset version is available.
Fujitsu Compound Semiconductor Inc.,
San Jose, CA
Optical-fiber cable
DryTech, a new patented concept for loose tube cables, improves performance and reduces installation cost. By replacing traditional water-blocking compound with a foamed thermoplastic elastometer, the mechanical crush performance increases by 50%. The impact force can also be increased by 20%. All this results in fiber protection, while the size of the cable is unchanged. DryTech fulfills standard technical requirements.
Ericsson Network Technologies AB, Sundbyberg, Switzerland
Optical tunable filter
Designed specifically for DWDM applications, this optical tunable filter enables wavelength tuning of a dielectric interference filter without change to the optical properties such as bandwidth, polarization-dependent loss, and insertion loss. The filter has a 35-nm tuning range and can be supplied with a range of filter elements. The package is 30x105x12 mm in size and is hermetically sealed. Both C- and L-band versions are available.
Santec Corp., Komaki, Aichi, Japan
Rotators/isolators
These garnet thin-film Faraday rotators for C- and L-band applications are characterized by a low temperature coefficient, low insertion loss, and high extinction ratio. The free-space optical isolators are available in various formats, such as low-cost surface mount, cylindrical, and high-performance pigtailed form.
Sumitomo Metal Mining Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
Erbium-doped fiber
This erbium-doped fiber, a critical subcomponent used in the development and manufacture of erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs), assists in the regeneration of the optical signal when it passes through EDFAs. This erbium-doped fiber is specifically targeted at the wavelengths supported by the most widely used EDFAs and will include fiber that is optimized for use within the C- and L-bands.
StockerYale Inc., Salem, NH
Load module
The OC-192c packet-over-SONET interface load module is a comprehensive tool for validation of next-generation optical-fiber networks with WAN pacekt-over-SONET/SDH interfaces operating at the OC-192 level. The LMOC192c features a wire-speed WAN transport interface and supports OC-192c or STM-64 singlemode interfaces. The two-port module offers high port density for generation and analysis of OC-192c devices and networks.
Ixia, Calabasas, CA
Optical-network analyzer
The Q7760 optical-network analyzer can measure many optical-component characteristics with high resolution and high speed in the optical-carrier frequency domain. It can measure chromatic dispersion, PMD, amplitude characteristics, and group delay. In addition, transmission characteristics and reflection characteristics can be measured simultaneously. The product can also measure chromatic-dispersion characteristics.
Advantest Corp., Shinjuko-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Visual fault locator
The Model F6230A, a streamlined visual fault locator (VFL), is a pencil-style VFL that features a universal connector that accepts any optical-connector style with a 2.5-mm ferrule. It operates on a single AA alkaline battery, keeping the overall size to a minimum while providing long battery life. VFL output is from a 1-mW laser at 650 nm, providing a range of up to 5 km. The VFL features a choice of continuous or modulated output and a "low battery" indicator.
Wilcom, Laconia, NH
Amplifier design tool
The VPIcomponentMaker fiber amplifier delivers an integrated design environment for doped-fiber and Raman fiber amplifiers. Advanced simulation modules and dedicated instrumentation allow designers to explore, characterize, and optimize wideband, multistage, and hybrid amplifier technologies.
VPI Virtual Photonics, Holmdel, NJ
Epoxy/adhesive dispenser
The 1500XL epoxy dispenser increases yields, reduces rejects, and speeds training for new workers by using a timed air pulse to apply accurate, repeatable amounts of the adhesives used in fiber-optic assembly operations. The 1500XL removes all variability from the dispensing process by using a digital timer and controlled air pressure to determine the amount of epoxy applied. Epoxy is contained in a disposable syringe that is linked to the dispenser console by a flexible air line.
EFD Inc., East Providence, RI
Motion system
The FiberAlign 130 meets the needs of fiber-fiber, fiber-laser diode, and fiber-waveguide alignments. The product utilizes a center-driven, noncogging linear motor as the driving element for mass production of precision devices. The motor is capable of reaching speeds of 300 mm/sec and accelerations of 1 g.
Other features include a resolution of 10 nm for alignment applications and a software toolkit for access to commonly used functions.
Aerotech Inc., Pittsburgh
Hot stripper
The Hot Stripper strips a wide variety of optical fibers, including those with coatings that were formerly removable only by chemical processes. This device is designed to remove polymer coatings from within 40 mm of the end of optical fibers, in preparation for fusion splicing. The stripper prepares fibers for strength-critical splicing, ensuring good repeatability, and has the ability to adapt to lab, field, and production use.
Amherst Fiberoptics, Brentwood, TN
Compiled by Leah Gladu