PRESS RELEASE


Arrayed Fiberoptics Corporation Announces High Return Loss 2D Fiber Arrays

Santa Clara, CA – February 28, 2005 – Arrayed Fiberoptics Corporation, the leader in enabling next-generation fiberoptic components, today announced its high return loss two-dimensional (2D) fiber array, designed to be used as a subcomponent for optical fiber systems.

2D fiber arrays are a key component in devices such as large fiber optic switches, as well as being used for industrial, scientific, and military applications. These systems often require fiber components to have at least 40 dB return loss, preferably greater, especially for telecommunications applications. This requirement has not previously been able to be met with surface-normal polish of the fiber end face, even when the best anti-reflection coating is applied to the fiber surface. It is for this reason that angle polish is typically employed for linear fiber arrays, as the angle polish increases the return loss to acceptable levels. However for 2D fiber arrays, polishing at an angle is frequently difficult, due to the fact that a 2D array has similar dimensions in both width and length. Due to this geometry, an angle polish would result in a very significant amount of the fiber array substrate material being polished away; in the extreme, the entire substrate could be lost if this angle polish were attempted. As a result, companies have had to live with surface-normal polish (rather than angle polish) and the resulting poor return loss performance for 2D fiber arrays.

Arrayed Fiberoptics' high return loss (HRL) 2D fiber array incorporates a patent-pending optical design which increases the return loss of a surface-normal polished 2D fiber array by an additional 15 dB, or an attenuation factor of 30. Combined with an anti-reflection coating, the return loss of a HRL 2D fiber array easily surpasses 40 dB; typical return loss is around 50 dB. Furthermore, these HRL fiber arrays offer nearly two orders of magnitudes increase in power handling ability.

"We are pleased to offer these high return loss fiber arrays to leading fiberoptic system vendors. Our HRL fiber arrays solve a long-felt need for the fiber optic industry," said Ben Connors, Executive Vice President of Arrayed Fiberoptics Corporation. "These HRL fiber arrays combine high performance with ease of manufacturing and reliability."

Although the innovative optical design is especially suited for 2D fiber arrays, it works equally well with linear fiber arrays and even single-channel devices. Now, high return loss fiber components can be made using surface-normal polishes.

Evaluation samples of Arrayed Fiberoptics' HRL fiber arrays are available now with 250um pitch, and other configurations are available upon request. The company will demonstrate sample devices at the Optical Fiber Communication (OFC) conference in Los Angeles, March 8 - 10, 2005.




About Arrayed Fiberoptics Corporation

Arrayed Fiberoptics Corporation, based in Santa Clara, CA was founded to enable the evolution of fiberoptic components from existing handcrafted assemblies to modern, reliable, affordable devices. Our team of experienced industry veterans is creating what is destined to become the standard platform in integrated fiberoptic components. Arrayed Fiberoptics Corporation is a privately held company funded by a consortium of leading domestic and international venture firms, together with industry executive investors. Please contact , 408-745-1900 for more information.


News and Press Contact:

Ben Connors
Phone: 408-745-1900