MetroPhotonics announces product roadmap for monolithic photonic integrated circuits

MetroPhotonics Inc. today announced the SurePath Portfolio, which it claims is the first end-to-end optical component portfolio based on monolithically integrated photonic circuits for access and metro systems.

The SurePath Portfolio provides system vendors with a reliable evolution path from costly discrete and hybrid component solutions to lower cost monolithically integrated components, with drastically smaller footprint, power consumption, and enhanced functionality, claim company representatives.

"MetroPhotonics has defined its product roll-out based on extensive customer feedback. System vendors need to fundamentally drive down their cost of optical components while improving functionality and performance," explains David Clark, chief executive officer of MetroPhotonics. "We have proven the ability to integrate multiple passive and active components on to a single die, using only one epitaxial growth stage that integrates attenuation and photo-detection capabilities with a DWDM. This approach fundamentally lowers component costs, footprint, and required power."

"System vendors expect continual improvement in component functionality, delivered more cheaply and in a more compact design," adds Roy Rubenstein, senior analyst, optical components at RHK Inc. (San Francisco). "Optical component integration is one key way to meet such demands. MetroPhotonics, with its monitor, multiplexer, and equalizer devices, is extending the portfolio of monolithically integrated products now available to system vendors alongside sources and receivers."

The SurePath Portfolio currently consists of three product lines:

• SurePath Monitor--fundamentally redefines the economics of optical power monitoring, say company representatives, enabling the cost-effective deployment of monitors throughout the network for enhanced network management capability and quality of service. With its small footprint, low power consumption, and fast response time, it can be directly retrofitted into network elements, such as EDFAs, ROADMs, Cross Connects, or at a discrete network node.

• SurePath Multiplexer--the most compact and lowest cost VMUX solution for optical channel add/drop nodes and line terminals, combining MUX/DMUX, variable attenuators and power monitoring functions into a single monolithically integrated bi-directional optical access circuit. Its cyclic device design reduces inventory levels for enhanced provisioning, simplified network management, and reduced cost-of-ownership.

• SurePath Equalizer--combines arrayed variable attenuators and power monitoring together with MUX/DMUX elements into a single device for superior network management capability, performing per channel equalization and management within DWDM networks. The SurePath Equalizer provides the ability to adjust channels individually, allowing for power balancing, pre-emphasis, and power loading control within re-configurable networks.

For more information about MetroPhotonics Inc. (Ottawa, Canada), visit the company's Web site at www.metrophotonics.com.