NeoPhotonics Announces New Narrow-Linewidth Micro Integrated Tunable Laser Assembly (micro-ITLA) for Coherent Transport

ANAHEIM, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--NeoPhotonics Corporation (NYSE: NPTN), a leading designer and manufacturer of photonic integrated circuit, or PIC, based modules and subsystems for bandwidth-intensive, high speed communications networks, today announced a small form factor, narrow-linewidth, micro-Integrated Tunable Laser Assembly (micro-ITLA) technology.

“NeoPhotonics is one the few companies that can design and manufacture precision tunable lasers with linewidth suitably narrow for coherent network applications. In fact, we became the industry’s largest supplier of narrow-linewidth tunable lasers in 2012”

NeoPhotonics builds upon its field-proven technology in creating this new generation of laser, which is designed to reduce the footprint by more than a factor of three and reduce power consumption compared to current generation ITLAs. The micro-ITLA is also intended to outperform current generation narrow-linewidth lasers in both linewidth and output optical power. This micro-ITLA utilizes NeoPhotonics PIC technology, which allows the integration of many active and passive photonic functions within single chip elements. The NeoPhotonics micro-ITLA is designed to be compliant to the Optical Internetworking Forum (OIF) implementation agreement.

The demand for bandwidth continues to grow at a rapid pace. Deployments of 100 Gbps networks utilizing advanced modulation techniques and coherent detection are increasingly preferred by carriers as these technologies provide improved signal quality and allow for longer spans in metro and long-haul “backbone” networks; thus lowering the overall cost of transporting high-bandwidth data from one place to another. The narrow-linewidth tunable laser is a key element in coherent optical communications systems. Much like tuning to a signal in a radio receiver, coherent detection uses a narrow-linewidth laser (local oscillator) tuned to the transmitter optical frequency. Laser linewidth must be in the range of a few hundred kilohertz to avoid penalties to signal-to-noise ratio and system performance.

“NeoPhotonics is one the few companies that can design and manufacture precision tunable lasers with linewidth suitably narrow for coherent network applications. In fact, we became the industry’s largest supplier of narrow-linewidth tunable lasers in 2012,” said Tim Jenks, Chairman and CEO of NeoPhotonics. “In the micro-ITLA we utilize our PIC technology to minimize the device size and power consumption, while providing our customers with the device performance and production capabilities they need to capture the growth that is apparent in the 100G market space.”

NeoPhotonics is showcasing its narrow-linewidth tunable laser products along with intradyne coherent receivers, 100G CFP and CFP2 transponders for client side transmission and an extensive line of OLT transceivers for FTTH PON networks, at the OFC Exhibition in Anaheim, California (March 19-21, 2013, Anaheim Convention Center, Booth 1601).

About NeoPhotonics

NeoPhotonics is a leading designer and manufacturer of photonic integrated circuit, or PIC, based optoelectronic modules and subsystems for bandwidth-intensive, high-speed communications networks. The company’s products enable cost-effective, high-speed data transmission and efficient allocation of bandwidth over communications networks. NeoPhotonics maintains headquarters in San Jose, California and ISO 9001:2000 certified engineering and manufacturing facilities in Silicon Valley (USA) and Shenzhen, China. For additional information, visit www.neophotonics.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are only predictions and may differ materially from actual future events or results. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions and current expectations. The company’s actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions. The risks and uncertainties that could cause the company’s results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements include but are not limited to: acceptance by customers of the micro ITLA or the timing of such acceptance may not be as the company expects; the timing of or costs related to the development, general availability and performance and production of the micro ITLA may not be as the company expects; the demand for the micro ITLA may be volatile or lower than the company expects; demand for the micro ITLA could decrease from the company’s expectations due to general conditions in the telecommunications equipment industry, changes in network architectures, or the world economy generally, and other risks and uncertainties described more fully in the company’s documents filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission.