SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Oplink Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq:OPLK), a leading designer and manufacturer of innovative optical components and subsystems, today announced the initial shipment of its Acousto-Optic Tunable Filter (AOTF) products for use in a next-generation optical network application to be announced later this year. Oplink acquired the innovative Acousto-Optic (AO) technology through its acquisition last year of Aurora Photonics, a leader in the development of this technology. AOTF products can utilize various mediums such as crystals, fibers and waveguides in which acoustic waves at radio frequencies (RF) are used to selectively separate a single wavelength of light at extremely fast tuning speeds from a broadband, multicolor source, without additional de-multiplexing. The wavelength of light selected is determined by the frequency of the RF applied. The wavelength is tuned by varying the frequency of the RF. "Acousto-Optics is a forward-looking technology and will have a dramatic impact on the fulfillment of the vision for the all optical network," stated Ken Brizel, Oplink's senior vice president, strategy and business development. "With the continued distribution of intelligence and functionality throughout the network, AO technology delivers a finer degree of network control through higher levels of integration and wavelength processing." Oplink Communications Inc.