JARFALLA, Sweden -- Zarlink Semiconductor (NYSE/TSX:ZL) today unveiled new long-wavelength Fabry-Perot laser diodes that offer the industry's highest level of customization. Traditionally used in telecommunications applications, Zarlink's ZL(TM)60401 family of laser diodes can be easily customized for a broad range of equipment, including surveillance and graphical recognition systems, video projector transmission, and industrial measurement systems.

With the addition of new in-house capabilities, Zarlink now offers a fully integrated laser manufacturing capability, from device design and wafer manufacturing, to packaging and testing of optical assemblies and laser-based modules. End-to-end control means Zarlink can cost-effectively adjust the composition and thickness of the individual layers on the laser's crystal structures to meet the exact wavelength, speed, temperature, light sensitivity, output power, and pin-out requirements specified by manufacturers.

In comparison, most other laser manufacturers purchase crystal substrates from other suppliers, where volume requirements and the complexity of manufacturing combine to limit the degree of customization they can offer.

"We offer an unmatched degree of customization with the ZL60401 laser diode family, which allows manufacturers to significantly cut design costs and simplify their manufacturing process," said Ulf Sundstrom, director, Optical Products, Zarlink Semiconductor. "Our vertically integrated capability allows Zarlink to tailor a broad range of optical devices and laser-based modules to meet a customer's exact requirements, saving them costs and design effort."

Zarlink Semiconductor Inc.