Anaheim, California, Optical Fiber Communication Conference (OFC) – March 19, 2002 –Alcatel Optronics (Paris: CGO; NASDAQ:ALAO), JDS Uniphase (Nasdaq: JDSU and TSE: JDU) and Nortel Networks (NYSE/TSE:NT) today announced a multi-source agreement (MSA) for 960-980nm pump lasers in uncooled Mini-DIL packaging. Designed for terrestrial erbium doped fiber amplifiers (EDFA) used in metro and long haul optical systems, these pump lasers offer system designers reduced size, electrical consumption and cost. To ensure optical system manufacturers have a choice among compatible sources for 960-980nm pump laser modules using Mini-DIL packaging, this agreement establishes a uniform specification that addresses form, fit, function and performance criteria in addition to quality parameters.

 

The three MSA founding members expect compliant uncooled Mini-DIL pump lasers will enable a significant reduction in the size and power consumption of EDFAs. This agreement sets the standard for a new class of 980 nm pump laser modules that use the Mini-DIL package platform to operate over a broad temperature range without a thermoelectric cooler. Uncooled Mini-DIL pump modules conforming to the MSA offer 100mW operating power or greater at a significantly lower price point and reduced form factor compared to conventional pump packages. Uncooled operation greatly reduces the total power consumption of the pump laser module. Pump performance over the 0-70ºC temperature range is maintained by fiber Bragg grating (FBG) wavelength locking.

 

“We believe that our joint efforts to standardize specifications for uncooled 980nm Mini-DIL pump modules will benefit system designers of next-generation narrowband amplifiers by providing the small form factor, low cost and low power consumption they need to meet the demands of the wavelength-agile optical network,” said Patrick Walsh, vice president Product Line Management, Optical Components, Nortel Networks.

 

“The ability of these products to remain locked over a wide temperature range without a thermoelectric cooler is expected to fundamentally change the size and power consumption of optical amplifiers, and enable system designers to offer higher density systems with more functionality at lower cost,” added, Dr. Jo S. Major, Vice President and General Manager of the JDS Uniphase Optical Pump Business Unit.

 

“The optimization of cost and performance is achieved thanks to a breakthrough in the development of coolerless Mini-DIL terrestrial pumps. This highlights our global strategy, by offering value added products for customers at reduced prices,” explained Philippe Brégi, Chief Operating Officer of Alcatel Optronics. “We believe most of our subsystem product lines will benefit rapidly from this innovation.”

 

Alcatel Optronics, JDS Uniphase and Nortel Networks will independently develop, manufacture, and market 960-980nm pump laser modules using Mini-DIL packaging based on this standard.

 

About Alcatel Optronics
Alcatel Optronics designs, manufactures and sells high performance optical components, modules and integrated sub-systems for use in terrestrial and submarine optical telecommunications networks. Operating state-of-the-art manufacturing plants in North America and Europe, Alcatel Optronics is a leading supplier of DWDM lasers, photodetectors, optical amplifiers, high-speed interface modules and key passive devices such as arrayed waveguide multiplexers and Fiber Bragg Grating filters. It also has experience in integrating active and passive components and modules into sub-systems. The Optronics Division is part of Alcatel's Optics Group which comprises Alcatel's world-leading activities in optical networking, including submarine and terrestrial transmission systems, fiber optics and optical components. For more information, visit Alcatel Optronics on the Internet: www.alcatel.com/optronics

 

About JDS Uniphase
JDS Uniphase is a high technology company that designs, develops, manufactures and sells a comprehensive range of products for high-performance fiberoptic communications applications. These products are deployed by system manufacturers worldwide to develop optical networks for the data communications, telecommunications and cable television industries. JDS Uniphase Corporation is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol JDSU, and the exchangeable shares of JDS Uniphase Canada Ltd. are traded on The Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol JDU. More information on JDS Uniphase is available at www.jdsu.com.

 

About Nortel Networks
Nortel Networks has one of the largest optical components businesses globally with established expertise in the design, development and manufacture of components for optical networking, from discrete optical components to advanced circuits and modules. Its optoelectronics, microelectronics, and systems knowledge create integrated solutions that accelerate the power and reach of communications systems around the world. Nortel Networks is an industry leader and innovator focused on transforming how the world communicates and exchanges information. The company is supplying its service provider and enterprise customers with communications technology and infrastructure to enable value-added IP data, voice and multimedia services spanning Metro and Enterprise Networks, Wireless Networks and Optical Long Haul Networks. As a global company, Nortel Networks does business in more than 150 countries. More information about Nortel Networks can be found on the Web at www.nortelnetworks.com.

 

The statements contained in this press release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements. These statements may be identified by their use of forward-looking terminology such as “believes,” "will," "intends," "plans," "anticipates," "strive," "designed" and similar words. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, any statement or implication that the products described in this press release (i) will be successfully introduced or marketed, (ii) will be qualified and purchased by MSA members’ customers, or (iii) will perform to any particular specifications or performance or reliability standards. Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that, if realized, could materially impair the MSA members’ respective results of operations, business and financial condition. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to factors discussed from time to time in financial reports filed by one or more of the MSA. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof, and none of the MSA members assumes any obligation to update or qualify any of the statements made herein.

 

Alcatel Optronics Press Contacts
Charlotte Laurent-Ottomane (US) Tel:+ 1. 703 679 6710 charlotte.laurent-ottomane@alcatel.com
Bénédicte de Bollardière (France) Tel : +33 (0) 1 64 49 16 75 benedicte.de_bollardiere@alcatel.fr

JDS Uniphase Press Contact
Lori Goulet Tel: 1 613 727 1304 x6484 lori.goulet@jdsu.com Nortel Networks Press Contact
Carrie Kasten Tel: 1-972-684-9404 ckasten@nortelnetworks.com