Coherent Enters Telecom Market

Coherent Inc. of Santa Clara, Calif., has formed a joint venture with Fiber Optics Network Solutions Corp. of Northboro, Mass., to develop and market a high-power broadband transmission product line for cost-effective cable TV and high-speed Internet access. The move marks Coherent's first foray into the telecommunications market.
The new company, CFX Communications Systems, plans to launch a product line that can provide analog and digital transmissions supporting hybrid fiber coax networks, and fiber-to-the-curb and fiber-to-the-home systems. During the past 21/2 years, Fiber Optics Network Solutions has invested in prototyping a linearized broadband transmission product line. A key component in developing this technology is Coherent's expertise in producing lasers and optical components.