CyOptics Acquires PLC Maker

CyOptics Inc., a developer of indium phosphide (InP) optical chip and component technologies, today announced it has expanded its photonic integrated circuits (PICs) technology platform by acquiring privately held Inplane Photonics. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Inplane Photonics' 5000-sq-ft wafer processing facility is based in South Plainfield, N.J., and manufactures planar lightwave circuits (PLCs) for optical networks used in telecommunications and defense. Inplane's silica-on-silicon PLC technology allows optical circuits to be integrated on multifunction silicon chips for data transmission, distribution, detection and conditioning. The integration also allows the components to be miniaturized for optical communication networks for markets including telecom, biophotonics, and test and measurement.

Inplane Photonics is a subcontractor on Lockheed Martin's Highly Integrated Photonics contract with the US Air Force to develop fiber-optic network technology for tactical combat aircraft.

CyOptics said the acquisition expands its PICs platforms by combining monolithic and hybrid integration of InP laser and detector arrays onto PLCs. The integration will dramatically reduce the number of individual components required, CyOptics said, increasing chip function and reducing overall chip cost.

CyOptics' 60,000-sq-ft wafer and chip fabrication operations are located in Lehigh Valley, while its 80,000-sq-ft automated packaging and testing operations are in Matamoros, Mexico.

"The addition of Inplane's complementary PLC technology will bring new capabilities to CyOptics' PICs and will allow us to enhance the integration features of our products," said Ed Coringrato, CEO of CyOptics. "The combination of best-in-class InP and PLC technology will create a unique capability in the market. We will also leverage the PLC technology to further expand Inplane's and CyOptics' many existing engagements with the defense industry."

Inplane Photonics CEO Michael Cyrus said, "The team at Inplane has developed an impressive portfolio of PLC building blocks and has clearly established a technology leadership position in the market of PLC integration. With the addition of the silica-on-silicon PLC technology, CyOptics is well positioned to address the future growth markets in telecommunication and defense."

For more information, visit: www.cyoptics.com