WILMINGTON, Mass. -- DuPont Photonics Technologies, a wholly owned subsidiary of DuPont and provider of integrated optical components, announced today a strategic investment in ANDevices Inc., a leading supplier of planar lightwave circuit (PLC) devices. ANDevices is led by a highly experienced management team that has been producing silica-based PLC devices for over 18 years.

"Our collaboration, enhanced by the investment, brings together the best polymer-based PLC technology with the best silica-based PLC technology," said Marcelo van de Kamp, general manager of DuPont Photonics. "We are well-positioned to meet customer demand for next generation optical modules using the design and production capabilities of DuPont Photonics and ANDevices. "

DuPont Photonics has been successfully selling 8 to 48 channel variable optical attenuator (VOA) arrays and cross-connect switches that are based on proprietary polymer PLC technology. By applying design know-how, the business has integrated VOAs with 1x2 optical switches to make a cost effective, low-loss and low-power-consumption iSELECTTM component. The iSELECTTM, together with ANDevices AWGs, are at the heart of DuPont's newly developed iROADTM 4000 module, which saw its debut at OFC 2006.

"A combination of technologies will prove to be a winner in the eyes of our customers. Customers of optical modules will benefit from the ideal combination of performance and value delivered from our PLC solution with products like the iROADTM 4000" said Fang Wang, global sales director of DuPont Photonics.

The cooperation between the two companies also extends to the marketplace where ANDevices and DuPont will represent each other's products in specific markets. "Our products are complimentary and will allow each of us to serve our customers in a better way," said Jacob Sun, CEO & president of ANDevices. "The additional investment will enable ANDevices to increase production capacity and more effectively address growing demand from our customers."

DuPont Photonics Technologies LLC

ANDevices Inc.