Oclaro Launches Eye-Safe High Power Laser Diodes at LASER 2009

SAN JOSE, Calif., June 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Oclaro, Inc. , a provider of optical components for industrial applications, has entered the eye-safe wavelength market with laser diode single emitter and bar products emitting at around 1.5 micrometer (um). The new long-wavelength devices target eye-safe applications in defense, material processing and medical markets.

Eye-safe standards are important in environments where there is risk of exposure to laser light. Eye-safe lasers emit light at wavelengths above 14xx nm, as light in this range is largely absorbed by the cornea before reaching the more sensitive retina. The retina can be seriously damaged by just micro-seconds of exposure to high power light at shorter wavelengths.

15xx and 14xx nm laser diode bar products deliver up to 30W continuous wave (CW) output power and are offered with a micro-channel or a passive Cu cooler configuration. The bars come with a fill factor of 30 percent and an emitter pitch of 500um, making them ideally suited for fiber coupled and pump laser applications.

The single emitter laser diodes emit 2W output power at 1470nm from a 90um stripe and are available on a CMount or in a 105um fiber coupled configuration. The fiber coupled version is built on the proven Oclaro platform for single emitter fiber laser pump modules, enabling high volume, scalable, and cost-effective manufacturing.

"The extension of our high performance laser diode bar and single emitter laser diodes into the long-wavelength range is an important step for Oclaro, addressing increased demand for eye-safe lasers, particularly in defense and medical markets," said Oclaro product marketing director, Karlheinz Gulden. "We have been able to deliver the high power and high reliability qualities with which Oclaro is associated at wavelengths that enhance eye safety, broadening the market appeal of our high power laser diode portfolio."

Oclaro was formerly Bookham, Inc. prior to its merger with Avanex Corporation last April. The company also recently announced entering into a definitive agreement with Newport Corporation which, if the deal closes, will, among other things, provide Oclaro with a portion of the Newport Spectra Physics high power laser diode business. Oclaro will continue to leverage its cutting edge, high reliability laser diode manufacturing facilities to service industrial, defense and medical markets with high power lasers and VCSELs.

About Oclaro

Oclaro, with headquarters in San Jose, California, is a tier 1 provider of high performance optical components, modules and subsystems to the telecommunications market, and is one of the largest providers to metro and long haul network applications. Oclaro, the result of the combination of Bookham, Inc. and Avanex Corporation, leverages proprietary core technologies and vertically integrated product development to provide its broad customer base with cost-effective and innovative optical solutions. The company's Advanced Photonics Division is chartered with driving Oclaro's diversification and growth into new markets, leveraging Oclaro's strong brand, chip design and manufacturing expertise. Oclaro is a global company, with leading chip fabrication facilities in the U.K., Switzerland and Italy, and manufacturing sites in the US, Thailand and China.

Oclaro, the Oclaro logo and all other Oclaro product names and slogans are trademarks or registered trademarks of Oclaro, Inc. in the USA or other countries.

NOTES TO EDITORS: 1. On April 27, 2009, Bookham, Inc. & Avanex, Corp. merged to create Oclaro, Inc. 2. LASER World of Photonics will take place 15- 18 June 2009 at the New Munich Trade Fair Center 3. Oclaro will be exhibiting at the LASER World of Photonics exhibition at booth #C1.341 4. To arrange an interview with representatives of Oclaro before or during the show, please contact Howard Jones on [e-mail] or [phone]

Oclaro, Inc.

CONTACT: Julie Molloy of Oclaro, Inc., [phone],
[e-mail]; or Howard Jones of Rooftop PR, [phone],
[e-mail], for Oclaro, Inc.