SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Bookham, Inc. (NASDAQ: BKHM), a leading provider of optical components, modules and subsystems, is to launch its first integrable tunable laser assembly (iTLA) at OFC/NFOEC next week in Anaheim, California. The product, based on a monolithic platform, brings cost effective wideband tunability to Long Haul and regional Metro applications.

The iTLA will be on display at the Bookham stand (no. 3013), and is based on the company's fully Telcordia GR-468 qualified wideband tunable laser.

Unlike many other tunable lasers, the Bookham core tunable technology is built on a monolithic structure with no moving parts. This enables very fast tuning times and ensures excellent reliability, comparable to that offered by legacy DFB lasers.

"Bookham is pioneering tunable technology," said Adam Price, Director of Product Marketing. "We are finding that tunability is becoming a must-have for our customers, and we are ideally positioned to meet and exceed their demands. The iTLA is the first of a series of new, vertically integrated products, which will bring tunability to Long Haul and regional Metro. Our unique monolithic platform is the ideal building block and 2006 will see Bookham introduce more exciting new products that will take tunable integration to the next level.

"Bookham is also able to bring high volume manufacturing knowledge to the product. With our world-class Indium Phosphide (InP) fabrication facility and proven off-shore manufacturing capability, we are able to meet volume demand and provide cost-effective tunable products."

The iTLA complies with the OIF MSA outline and command set to ensure that customers can integrate it with their systems as quickly as possible. The product also provides a number of market leading functions, such as low line width, off-grid tuning, internal SBS dither generation, and a direct input path for trace tone functionality. Such features provide the flexibility required for the latest generation of optical networks, particularly where extended reaches are becoming more common.

Bookham customers are using the iTLA now, and the volume production of the product is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of this year. The product will be RoHS 5 compliant.

Bookham Inc. (Nasdaq: BKHM; London: BHM)