JDS Uniphase Purchases Photonic Power Systems

JDS Uniphase Corp. of San Jose, Calif., has acquired Photonic Power Systems Inc., a supplier of the photonic power-over-fiber technology. The Cupertino, Calif., company's system for remote powering is expected to have applications in the medical, wireless, aerospace, electrical power and industrial sensor sectors. With the acquisition, JDS Uniphase intends to expand the market for its optical products.

The technology involves light from a laser source, which illuminates an efficient photovoltaic power converter to produce electrical power. The light power replaces copper and batteries for remote sensors, coaxial cable in wireless applications, and oil or gas-filled measurement transformers in high-voltage applications. Immune to environments with radio-frequency, lightning, high-voltage and electromagnetic interference, the lightweight system provides such benefits as electrical isolation and intrinsic high-speed data capability.

Photonic Power Systems' eight employees will relocate to JDS Uniphase's headquarters and will form the core of that company's Photonic Power Business Unit. Financial terms of the purchase were not disclosed.