New Laser Enables Real-Time Measurement of Components

Source: New Focus, Inc.

New Focus, Inc. (Nasdaq: NUFO), a leading supplier of innovative fiber optic products for next-generation optical networks under the Smart Optics for Networks™ brand, today announced an ultra-fast, highly repeatable, tunable laser source specifically designed for testing passive fiber optic components. The new laser enables real-time adjustment and testing of both C and L band components during manufacture, increasing yield as well as throughput.

"This new instrument builds on New Focus' long success with tunable lasers," said Dr. Timothy Day, founder and chief technology officer, New Focus, Inc. "The combination of ultra-fast sweep speeds, low noise and wide wavelength range gives our customers the ability to test C and L band components with a single instrument. Of course, this reduces their manufacturing costs, critical in today's market."

Technology features of the new 6500 Series laser:

  • Features an industry leading low noise figure of greater than 70 dB (low ASE Option) while maintaining sweep speeds of 100 nm/s
  • Enhances New Focus' StableWave™ cavity providing wide C+L mode-hop-free tuning
  • Offers high power (+6 dBm over C+L band) as an option
  • Tunes at 100-nm/s, enough speed to measure 40 channels or more in less than a second
  • Designed specifically for heavy 24/7 duty cycles required on the manufacturing floor

"The New Focus swept wavelength tunable laser addresses component manufacturers' critical needs for faster and flexible instruments," said Jay Patel, senior analyst, The Yankee Group. "Such flexibility, during constantly changing market requirements, brings forth cost and time-to-market advantages for its customers."

6500 Series laser design features:

  • Icon-driven, intuitive touch screen interface allows for immediate installation in facilities around the world
  • Detachable LCD touch screen reduces footprint on the manufacturing line

New Focus has shipped beta units to customers for evaluation and will begin taking orders in October 2001 for shipment beginning in December. Also, the product will be demonstrated in the New Focus stand at the European Conference on Optical Communication (ECOC) in Amsterdam, October 1 - 3, 2001 (Stand #3063).

Forward-Looking Statement
This press release contains predictions, estimates and other forward-looking statements regarding the expected performance of the company's 6500 Series swept-wavelength laser, the anticipated benefits gained by customers through the use of this product, the general availability of this product in December 2001, and the company's market share position in the tunable laser market. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and actual results may differ materially from any future performance suggested above. The risks and uncertainties include (i) delays in the transfer of this new product from development into high volume production, (ii) manufacturing problems, including lower-than-anticipated production yields, that could limit availability of this product, (iii) product introductions by competitors that offer comparable benefits, and (iv) reduced demand for test and measurement products arising from the difficult conditions within telecommunications markets that, in concert with competitive product offerings, could change market share positions within the tunable laser market.

Additional factors that may affect the production, performance or demand for the company's products are listed in the company's most recent 10-Q quarterly report on file with the SEC. New Focus is under no obligation to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements, which may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

About New Focus
New Focus designs, manufactures and markets innovative fiber optic products for next-generation optical networks. The company's Smart Optics for Networks™ products enhance the performance of next-generation optical networks by enabling higher channel counts, faster data rates, longer reach lengths, new service capabilities, and lower costs of ownership. Founded in 1990, the company remains a leader in the creation of advanced optical products for the commercial and research marketplaces. The company is headquartered in San Jose, California and has operations in Camarillo, California; Madison, Wisconsin and Shenzhen, People's Republic of China.

New Focus, Inc., 5215 Hellyer Ave., San Jose, CA 95138. Tel: 408-284-6808; Fax: 408-284-4820.