StockerYale Intros Erbium Fibers

SALEM, N.H. -- StockerYale, Inc. (NASDAQ: STKR), an independent supplier of photonics-based products, today announced the availability of its EDF-980-T1 and EDF-RC-980-T1 erbium-doped fibers, which are specifically designed to optimize the performance of C-band erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs). The Company expects to begin shipping samples of these high-performance fibers to customers in July. Erbium-Doped Fiber assists in the regeneration of an optical signal when it passes through the EDFA, a device that amplifies light signals through optical networks. When configured within long-haul terrestrial or submarine telecommunications systems, EDFA's enable an optical signal to be sent greater distances with increased reliability. The high numerical aperture (NA) and low bend loss of StockerYale's EDF-980-T1 erbium-doped fiber is ideal for EDFAs that call for a tighter fiber coil. Other features include excellent power conversion efficiency and low splice loss to standard single mode fiber. StockerYale's EDF-RC-980-TI, or reduced cladding erbium-doped fiber, is specifically designed for use in low cost, small form-factor EDFAs - such as those used in the metro amplifier market. This fiber also provides superior power conversion efficiency. "Our proprietary manufacturing process allows us to achieve high erbium concentration with low background loss, superior power conversion efficiency, and precise optical and geometric tolerances. By combining these advantages with our state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and some of the industry's finest scientists, customers can expect StockerYale to deliver the best, repeatable amplifier fiber in the industry," said Paul Jortberg, StockerYale's senior vice president of sales and marketing for Optical Components. "This new suite of erbium-doped fibers opens up new sales opportunities and we look forward to further expanding our portfolio of specialty optical fibers as we move into the second half of 2002," Jortberg added. StockerYale Inc.