28 March 2013

Emcore starts volume production of micro-ITLA tunable laser for 40/100/400G coherent applications

Emcore Corp of Albuquerque, NM, USA, which makes components, subsystems and systems for the fiber-optic and solar power markets, recently started volume production of its micro-ITLA (micro-integrable tunable laser assembly) and is ramping output to meet demand.

Since Emcore began sampling customers with the product in 2012, the micro-ITLA has already been designed into several key customer platforms and is currently operating in multiple field trials. To date, more than 400 samples have been shipped.

“By leveraging our leading-edge ITLA technology and in-house semiconductor design and manufacturing expertise, the micro-ITLA provides customers with a highly differentiated tunable laser solution for demanding high-performance telecom applications,” says chief operating officer Christopher Larocca.

The micro-ITLA is based on Emcore’s Clearlight external-cavity laser (ECL) technology. The firm reckons that - due to its ultra-narrow linewidth, low noise and frequency accuracy - its ECL is the most widely deployed tunable laser source for high-speed 40 and 100Gb/s coherent systems. The micro-ITLA integrates the proprietary ECL technology into a form-factor that is three times smaller and consumes over 1 watt less power than previous-generation ITLAs. It allows tuning to any grid and frequency and has a 15dBm high-output power option, plus advanced features including in-operation frequency fine tune of ±6GHz, and in-operation power adjust of 6dB. The micro-ITLA is fully compliant with the OIF (Optical Internetworking Forum) Implementation Agreement (IA) and allows full control and monitoring.

“The smaller form-factor and reduced power consumption enables our customers to design higher densities, at lower cost with improved performance into their 40, 100 and 400 gigabit coherent systems,” says VP of business development Jaime Reloj.

The micro-ITLA is fully C-band tunable, and Emcore plans to make available L-band tunability in the same form-factor later in 2013. Other features such as ultra-low power dissipation options and ultra-high output power will become available in the same time frame.

At the Optical Fiber Communications conference & exhibition (OFC 2013) in Anaheim (19-21 March), Emcore hosted a live demonstration of its micro-ITLA for 40/100/400 Gigabit coherent applications, highlighting the flexibility of its tuning capability (to any grid and frequency at different power output levels).

Tags: Emcore ITLA tunable laser

Visit: www.emcore.com