u²t Photonics, Lucent launch joint 40G development program

September 27, 2005 Berlin, Germany -- u²t Photonics, a provider of optoelectronic components for fiber-optic systems, has announced joint development activity with Lucent Technologies for u²t's BPRV2123 balanced photoreceiver, which last month passed verification tests conducted by Lucent's Bell Labs affiliate, for application in the company's next-generation 43-Gbit/sec DWDM system.

u²t says its product is based on its existing BPDV2020R, a 43-Gbit/sec balanced detector; the company says the new product is enhanced with an electrical amplifier that boosts device performance to a 520-mV differential output swing. For the joint development activity, the company says Lucent is contributing application expertise in designing and delivering systems for driving service providers' next-generation communications networks.

"We are pleased that our innovative and visionary decision in 2002 to invest in the balanced receiver technology became a decisive factor for being chosen as a preferred partner today," comments Michael Kneier, VP of sales and marketing of u²t Photonics.

"We are facing significant demand for our balanced product line, and are prepared and continuously committed to support the industry's efforts to progress down the 40G path," adds u²t Photonics' CEO, Andreas Umbach.

According to a press release, researchers in Bell Labs' Photonic Networks Research Department were responsible for developing the initial prototypes for the device, working in close collaboration with both u²t and Lucent Nuremberg. A detailed component target specification for the balanced receiver was issued at this week's ECOC 2005 in Glasgow. First samples of the device will be available by late Q4 of 2005.