LIGHTCONNECT unveils diffractive MEMS-based Dynamic Gain Equalizer module

LIGHTCONNECT, supplier of dynamic components and modules for optical networks, has launched its diffractive MEMS-based Dynamic Gain Equalizer (DGE) module, designed for small size, flexibility and ease of use in dynamically compensating gain profiles for optical amplifiers.

Packaged with all supporting hardware and customizable software, it can be implemented directly onto a system's motherboard. By combining Digital Signal Processing (DSP) control electronics and customizable software, the module gives the host direct closed-loop control of the DGE actuators for setting the target spectrum, thus enabling real-time gain profile management, explain company representatives. The module features low insertion loss (<5.7 dB), low polarization dependent loss (<0.3 dB) and large dynamic range (>15 dB). It can flatten EDFA gain profiles to (+/-) 0.1 dB and is customer configurable for a range of 40 nm in either the C- or L-Band.

DGEs are a significant new family of components and modules that control and adjust optical power in different spectral bands. They are especially powerful in their ability to dynamically compensate for the spectral non-uniformity of EDFA or Raman optical amplifiers.

Based on LIGHTCONNECT's Diffractive MEMS technology, the module requires motion less than 0.4 microns. The high resonant frequencies of the Diffractive MEMS ribbons increase speed by 50 to 500 times over competing technologies, claims the company, while providing a robust optical platform that is virtually unaffected by ambient acoustic and seismic disturbances.

The Dynamic Gain Equalizer module is currently shipping in sample quantities, with volume production in the second quarter of 2002.

For more information about LIGHTCONNECT Inc. (Newark, CA) and its products, visit the company's Web site at www.lightconnect.com.