SAN JOSE, Calif., Jan. 21 -- Oplink Communications Inc., designer and manufacturer of innovative optical components and subsystems, announced the initial shipment of its acousto-optic tunable filter (AOTF) products for use in a next-generation optical network application to be announced later this year. Oplink acquired the acousto-optic (AO) technology through its acquisition last year of Aurora Photonics. AOTF products can use various mediums such as crystals, fibers and waveguides in which acoustic waves at radio frequencies (RF) are used to selectively separate a single wavelength of light at extremely fast tuning speeds from a broadband, multicolor source without additional demultiplexing. The wavelength of light selected is determined by the frequency of the RF applied. The wavelength is tuned by varying the frequency of the RF. "Acousto-optics is a forward-looking technology and will have a dramatic impact on the fulfillment of the vision for the all-optical network," said Ken Brizel, Oplink's senior vice president, strategy and business development.