Nanovation Technologies announce alliance, product demo at NFOEC
By Mardi Balgochian Scalise, Lightwave Web Editor
Nanovation Technologies, a provider of photonic integrated circuits and Opthos Inc., a provider of IP-managed, True Optical solutions for metropolitan core networks, announced collaboration on the integration of optical devices for use in the next generation of Opthos' metropolitan area wavelength delivery systems.
The major focus of the expected long-term collaborative relationship centers on the integration of optical devices for the telecommunications industry and how Opthos' customers can profit from Nanovation's advanced integration capabilities in terms of size, cost and performance.
Nanovation Technologies is introducing technologies that allow photonic devices to be manufactured with high levels of integration in a manner similar to integrated circuits in the semiconductor industry. These processes will make it possible to integrate large numbers of Nanovation's devices on a single chip for a fraction of the cost of discrete photonic devices while providing more advanced optical functionality.
In addition to displaying its Indium Phosphide planar waveguides and discrete product line -- including EDFAs, transmitters and transceivers -- Nanovation unveiled the first live demonstration of a photonic integrated circuit including its Nanoshutter switch. The working demonstration, which will run continuously during exhibit hours in booth 1418, shows how Nanovation is making integrated optical components smaller and more efficient with hybrid silica-on-silicon/MEMS technology. The demonstration includes a fully functional Nanoshutter switch integrated on a single chip with monitoring taps and packaged with electronic timing and controls.
The integrated Nanoshutter switch is characterized by low insertion loss, flat wavelength response, high isolation between switched ports, ruggedness and high reliability. It is suited for long haul, metropolitan and local area fiber optic network applications including WDM, DWDM, OADM, protection systems and test equipment. By combining silica waveguide technology with deep trenching, optical silica-based elements can be integrated with MEMS devices, photodetectors and other active optical components.
The Nanoblock technology used in the Nanoshutter switch is scalable, enabling higher levels of sub-system integration. The Nanoblock concept is Nanovation's underlying approach to developing photonic integrated circuits. Using Nanoblock technology, Nanovation develops standard-design element, including switches, VOAs, photodetectors and passive components such as splitters, taps, filters and AWG waveguides. Custom components can be fabricated by combining multiple optical functions with switches to form a fully integrated system. The result is an application specific, integrated circuit with better performance, increased density and lower cost to mass reproduce than discrete hand-built modules.
About Nanovation Technologies Inc.:
Nanovation Technologies designs and develops Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) for the telecommunications market. Nanovation offers a complete discrete component product line, available for large volume purchases. The company has recently established a 108,000 square-foot manufacturing facility near Ann Arbor, MI. Prior to the company opening a manufacturing facility, Nanovation focused on R&D developments. Nanovation also has a Canadian subsidiary, Apollo Photonics, which provides design simulation software for the photonic industry. For more information, visit www.nanovation.com.
About Opthos:
Opthos delivers an IP-managed, True Optical system for the metropolitan core network. Opthos is a privately held corporation headquartered in San Carlos, California. For more information, visit www.opthos.com.