Companies Devise Tunable Laser Standard

PARIS, Nov. 26 -- Tunable laser providers Agility Communications, Alcatel Optronics and Bookham Technology announced today that they have developed a multisource agreement (MSA) for tunable laser sources. It defines a small form factor plug-in subsystem, including a tunable continuous wave (CW) laser with embedded electronics that allows automatic wavelength setting and locking.

The companies said the MSA is a significant step toward the adoption of the tunable function by the optical telecom industry and that they will separately develop and market fully compatible tunable sources.

The products compliant with the MSA include 10 and 20 mW CW tunable lasers that can cover both C and L-band applications, with 25 and 50 GHz wavelength spacing. They have a compact footprint with maximum dimensions of 76.2 x 50.8 x 12.7 mm³ and a dense 40-pin connector for electrical interface. These standardized tunable sources also support SPI, I2CTM and UART remote control buses using the same protocol.

The MSA is open to participation from all companies who can meet its standards.

For more information, visit: www.tunablemsa.com