News

21 September 2009

 

3S unveils 600mW submarine 980nm pump laser module

At the 35th European Conference and Exhibition on Optical Communication (ECOC 2009) in Vienna, Austria, 3S Photonics of Nozay, France, which manufactures laser chips, optical discrete modules and passive components for telecom networks, is unveiling its next-generation 1996 SGP Series 980nm-wavelength submarine-grade pump modules.

Capable of providing 600mW of ex-fiber optical power, 3S claims that the 1996 SGP Series is the most powerful 980nm pump laser module available for submarine optical networking applications. Its performance and reliability enable cost-effective designs for the deployment of next-generation 10Gb/s and 40Gb/s optical amplifiers into the submerged repeaters distributed along the submarine intercontinental cables, the firm claims.

The new pump module complements 3S’ current-generation 1994 SGP high-power pump (which has been under field deployment for more than three years) and addresses demands for increased power.

“New submarine systems will require much higher power levels and NEC has actively been collaborating with 3S Photonics for the successful development and manufacturing of next-generation submarine cable systems,” says Osamu Harada, general manager of NEC’s Submarine Networks division.

The 1996 SGP Series' performance and ability to meet demanding submarine reliability requirements has been enabled by a development program launched by 3S, technical results of which have already been published in various proceedings.

Optimized chip structures enable a reduction in internal losses to a record 0.55–0.60cm-1 while maintaining high external efficiencies. New designs also maintain low junction temperatures and injection current densities. The results translate to completion of the initial objectives of increasing operating power in excess of 600mW at the module level while meeting stringent reliability requirements.

Construction of the pump modules is based on the double-lens coupling platform, the reliability of which has been proven through more than 20,000 active components being field deployed worldwide over more than a decade without any failures. Long-term aging tests have demonstrated typical expected end of life (EOL) power drifts of less than 2% over a 25-year lifetime.

The platform is the most deployed in the world, so 3S can refer to its submarine experience without needing to consolidate reliability information captured from a terrestrial platform, says Yannick Bailly, VP marketing & product management. “Terrestrial information does not take into account the extended warranty periods requested by submarine customers and the imperative obligation of traceability for the product lifetime,” he adds.

3S says that its long-term strength in high-reliability products relies on assembly technologies and processes, an extensive set of quality checks (from kitting up to the final control before shipping), plus dedicated chip and module pedigree reviews. “These are the key elements to guarantee to our customers the quality and reliability levels required by the submarine community,” says Michel Privat, chief operating officer & VP sales. “This new product enlarges our product portfolio for submarine applications and strengthens our position of strategic supplier with regard to submarine system makers,” he adds. 3S’ submarine-grade product portfolio extends beyond 980nm pump modules and includes a full range of FBG-based filters and monitoring PIN photodiodes fitted in an ultra-compact package.

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