To reduce the capacity constraints caused by a shortage of components for optical networking, Lucent Microelectronics Group (Breinigsville, PA) and DiCon Fiberoptics Inc. (Berkeley, CA) have formed a jointed venture that will develop a new family of integrated passive optical components. Lucent will have 51% and DiCon 49% equity ownership of the venture--LD Fiberoptics LLC--which will be based in a new 30,000-sq ft facility in Richmond, CA.
Ed Coringrato, senior manager for strategic business development and operations at Lucent's Optoelectronics Components business, says the first products should be available in third-quarter 2000 and will be based on planar-substrate technology. "This new platform gives us the ability to combine up to four functions in one integrated product," he says. The functions include gain equalization, tap filters, pump combiners, isolators, and supervisory channel add/drops. "Lucent will use the products for its internal needs, primarily for its optical amplifier family. This venture gives us a secure source of supply and a better cost structure," he notes.—W. Conard Holton