Arroyo Optics launches programmable optical filter for long-haul networks

15 September 2003 Santa Monica, CA. Lightwave Europe -- Arroyo Optics has launched the UltraFilter UF50 POF - a programmable optical filter, designed to enable remotely reconfigurable, flexible long-haul networks.

The UF50-POF is said to enable independent equalising, attenuating and blocking of any or all wavelengths in the C-band at 50 GHz channel spacings. The company says it is suited to wavelength blocking, dynamic channel equalisation (DCE), reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexing (ROADM) and wavelength routing applications in high performance long-haul networks.

Arroyo says that the filter reduces network complexity as well as operating and capital costs by enabling remote, dynamic channel reconfiguration and eliminating the need for multiple discrete wavelength filtering components.

The UF50-POF employs liquid crystal-based technology and a novel opto-mechanical design, yielding a spectral response characterized by wide, flat passbands, low chromatic dispersion, virtually no PDL, a low insertion loss (<4 dB) and high extinction (>40 dB.) It is contained in a fully hermetic package, ensuring long-term stability over temperature and environmental conditions. A compact footprint allows easy system integration.

The UF50-POF is priced below USD25,000 for low volumes and reduced pricing for higher volume purchases. General availability of pre-production units is scheduled for the end of 2003. The company is also developing an UltraFilter platform to address Metro and Regional network applications featuring an ultra small form factor and 100 GHz channel spacings, and is planning to officially announce the product later this year.

About Arroyo
Arroyo Optics is a developer and manufacturer of flexible wavelength management solutions for telecommunications systems manufacturers and service providers.

Based on its UltraFilter technology platform, the company creates a family of all-optical filters ideal for wavelength blocking, dynamic channel equalization (DCE), reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexing (ROADM) and wavelength routing applications.