Zarlink Unveils VCSELs

JARFALLA, Sweden -- Zarlink Semiconductor (NYSE/TSX:ZL) today launched a new family of 850-nm oxide-confined VCSELs that improves the performance of optical equipment by generating a light beam of unmatched stability overcoming the effects of current and temperature. With traditional VCSEL devices, fluctuations in current or temperature cause changes to the shape and angle of the light beam emitted from the laser. Beam shape variations outside the VCSEL in the optical far-field region create fluctuations in the amount of light that can be captured by and coupled to an optical fiber. To compensate for unpredictable light levels, current VCSEL solutions typically require customized fiber connectors that are equipped with external lenses to create a stable and uniform beam, and focus the light into the fiber. The key innovation in Zarlink's new ZLTM60001/2 family of VCSEL devices is a patent-pending optical system that minimizes variations in the optical far field when current and temperature change. Zarlink's unique VCSEL optical system produces a very stable output beam that closely matches the circular shape of the fiber core. As a result, the VCSEL achieves a high "coupling efficiency" and can be used with standardized fiber connectors, eliminating the need for customized connectors with lenses. The high and stable coupling efficiency also minimizes the risk of mode partition noise. "With our VCSEL devices, customers achieve a greater level of stability in optical transceiver modules, and reduce their costs because it's easier to achieve fiber alignment," said Bengt Ehrensparre, product line manager, Optical Networking, Zarlink Semiconductor. Zarlink Semiconductor Inc.