E2O Communications has announced what it claims is a breakthrough in the quest for higher singlemode optical output power from Long-Wavelength Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers (LW-VCSELs).

E2O's continuous wave output power of 4 mW, at room temperature, is the highest among all publicly reported singlemode optical output power result, from any type of LW-VCSEL, says the company. The spectral linewidth is less than 0.2 nm and the side mode suppression is better than 40 dB.

"LW-VCSELs have the greatest potential to displace DFB lasers due to their low fabrication costs, single longitudinal and transverse modes and narrow linewidth, while being less susceptible to feedback noise," says Julian Cheng, vice president of research and development.

The company plans to demonstrate LW-VCSEL based transceiver and transponder modules in the second quarter of 2002.

E2O Communications (Calabasas, CA) provides fiber-optic transmission components and modules for Local Area Networks, Storage Area Networks, Metropolitan Area Networks, Wide Area Networks, and Access Networks.