February 18, 2004 Sunnyvale, CA-- JDS Uniphase has selected K2 Optronics' EC48 external cavity laser (ECL) as the primary laser component in JDS Uniphase's 57TM Extended Long Reach (ELR) series DWDM transmitter modules. The 57TM ELR is designed for use in telecommunications systems and high speed data communications applications requiring DWDM operation.
The EC48 ECL is the only laser that combines long reach, high power, and direct modulation, providing reach options of 200, 400, & 650 km and optical power output ranging from 2 to 9 mW. Its attainment of Telcordia qualification is a first for this kind of source. The fixed-wavelength, 2.5-Gbit/sec EC48 is applicable without a wavelength locker across all optical channel spacings down to 50 GHz and covers the entire S-, C- and L-bands. The laser features a narrow dynamic spectral linewidth and is supplied in an industry-standard, 14-pin butterfly package. It is ideal for DWDM applications such as high speed, long haul fiberoptic links for voice, data, digital video, metropolitan area networks, and wide area networks.
"Choosing K2 Optronics' laser technology has resulted in an economical way to extend 2.5-Gbit/sec DWDM functionality to 650 km and is an example of JDS Uniphase's practice of continually assessing innovative technologies and emerging companies in order to bring maximum value to our telecommunication systems customers," said Don Bossi, president of JDS Uniphase's Transmission Products Group.
For K2 Optronics, Raj Kapany, president and chief executive, said, "We are pleased that two leaders in their respective segments of the fiberoptic telecommunications industry have forged such a significant working relationship. We look forward to continuing and strengthening our relationship with JDS Uniphase. This is an important milestone for K2 Optronics since it clearly demonstrates that K2 Optronics provides the products, service, and quality necessary today and in the future."
K2 Optronics is leveraging its expertise in micro-optics and fiber Bragg grating design and optoelectronic packaging to develop lasers for the telecommunications, cable television, sensing, and test and measurement industries. The company is funded privately by investors including: Advent Venture Partners (UK), Alloy Ventures, Bessemer Venture Partners, Global Technology Group, Intel Capital, JAFCO Ventures, Sutter Hill Ventures, and The Photonics Fund.