Swedes Sweet on Optical Startups

CernoluX AB is developing a low-loss ROADM module that adds or drops a single channel from a group of wavelengths. Founded in August 2003 by a group of executives from the failed startup Proximion, CernoluX received its first round of funding in August 2004 (amount not disclosed). It is due to release prototypes before the end of 2004.

Like CernoluX, PhoXtal Communications AB is also developing ROADM components, but it's taking a different tack. PhoXtal describes its design as a couple of thin-film filters with the option of activating them or not (see PhoXtal Takes to the ROADM). The company recently partnered with Acreo AB, provider of an optical networking test bed, to provide ROADM capabilities for the bed. (See PhoXtal, Acreo Extend ROADM Testbed.)

Replisaurus Technologies AB has come up with a way of printing metal patterns onto silicon chips. Instead of taking six or seven steps of processing, the metal printing takes just a couple, which will reduce the amount of equipment required, and could slash processing times from a few hours to a few minutes. This is most likely to have an impact on electronics manufacturing, but would also be applicable to semiconductor optical components. The company has partnered with EV Group (EVG) to develop the first 200mm wafer processing equipment using the new process.

Syntune AB is commercializing a wideband tunable laser (see Altitun Execs Try Again). The company was founded by executives from pioneering tunable laser startup Altitun, employing a new laser design. First products were shipped in April 2004, although it will be another 18 months before Telcordia Technologies Inc. qualification is attained.