AOI Gets Tunable Laser Patents

SUGAR LAND, Texas -- Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. (AOI), a leading manufacturer of laser diodes, photodetectors, and optical modules for fiber optic communications systems, today announced the issuance of four new United States patents relating to a variety of unique designs for tunable lasers.

Tunable lasers enable greater flexibility in the manufacture and use of laser diodes as transmitters in advanced optical networks, especially those employing dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM).

“AOI has invested heavily in research during the development of its advanced laser technologies,” comments Wen-Yen Hwang, Vice President of Engineering at AOI. “The patents announced today are a significant part of a broad portfolio of technologies developed to address shortcomings in existing diode laser technology.”

With the addition of these patents, AOI’s 29 issued patents now include ten related to tunable laser technology, some of which involve external-cavity laser technology, including U.S. Patent No. 6,263,002, which was recently acquired from Micron Optics, Inc. In addition to tunable and external-cavity lasers, AOI’s patent portfolio covers other advanced fiber-optic devices, including laser arrays, DBR lasers, compliant substrates, photodetectors, and optoelectronic packaging and assembly methods and devices.

“To support the revitalized need for advanced optical components, we continue to invest heavily in research and product development and are extremely pleased with the breadth and depth of the intellectual property developed by our talented engineering staff,” stated Stephan Kinsella, AOI’s General Counsel and Vice President for Intellectual Property. “The company’s new tunable laser and external-cavity laser patents build on fundamental technology developed at AOI and enhance our ability to offer leading-edge laser technology to our expanding customer base.”

Commenting on AOI’s technology portfolio, Dr. Thompson Lin, AOI’s President and CEO, noted, “As the optical communications market resumes its growth, AOI’s position as a technology leader becomes increasingly important in continuing the strong growth we have experienced in the last 18 months. These new patents, along with our existing portfolio, protect a broad array of optical products that we expect to begin offering commercially in the next few quarters.”

Applied Optoelectronics Inc. (AOI)