ABINGDON, U.K. and NEUCHÂTEL, Switzerland -- MEMS designs and fabrication processes have been jointly established in a complementary relationship between Bookham Technology plc (LSE: BHM; NASDAQ: BKHM) and Colibrys SA to create and implement variable optical attenuator modules.

Bookham Technology has designed and patented three-dimensional MEMS structures with micro-shutters to produce optical attenuation with analog control. To successfully commercialize these component parts, Bookham has designed them as generic building blocks that are readily integrated into modules such as dynamic transmitters and receivers.

Colibrys has established innovative approaches to the fabrication of a MEMS die that embodies the Bookham designs. In this successful collaboration, a dedicated snap-apart method is deployed for MEMS-wafer dicing as a necessary replacement for standard semiconductor dicing strategies that prove to be unsuitable for these categories of MEMS devices. This approach delivers high-yield separation (singulation) of MEMS chips in a manner compatible with standard pick-and-place semiconductor equipment and ensures maximum reliability by avoiding particulate generation.

Steve Turley, Chief Commercial Officer of Bookham commented, “The combination of Bookham’s world class designers with Colibrys’ state of the art fabrication has produced a die that is an order of magnitude smaller than its nearest rival. Bookham’s customers benefit from components with reduced size, reduced cost and reduced power consumption, the three biggest drivers in the telecom industry today. This new family of optical components provides both Bookham and our customers with a strategic competitive advantage for the agile network of tomorrow.”

“We are delighted to be involved with Bookham in this significant work,” said Sean Neylon, Chief Executive Officer of Colibrys. “It has led to the creation of new ways to integrate design and fabrication. With this kind of cost-conscious thinking and manufacture, our two companies have successfully given birth to a family of building-block optical components. These will help pull forward affordable dynamic modules that will accelerate growth in next generation optical telecommunications. We look forward eagerly to continuing this complementary productive collaboration.”

Bookham Technology plc

Colibrys SA