DuPont Photonics Invests in ANDevices

DuPont Photonics Technologies, a wholly owned subsidiary of DuPont and provider of integrated optical components, announced today it has made a strategic investment in ANDevices Inc., a Fremont, Calif., supplier of planar lightwave circuit (PLC) devices for the communications and biotechnology industries.

"Our collaboration, enhanced by the investment, brings together the best polymer-based PLC technology with the best silica-based PLC technology," said Marcelo van de Kamp, general manager of DuPont Photonics. "We are well-positioned to meet customer demand for next-generation optical modules using the design and production capabilities of DuPont Photonics and ANDevices."

DuPont Photonics has been selling 8- to 48-channel variable optical attenuator (VOA) arrays and cross-connect switches that are based on proprietary polymer PLC technology, and has integrated VOAs with 1x2 optical switches to make its low-loss and low-power-consumption iSELECT component. The iSELECT, together with ANDevices AWGs, are the basis of DuPont's new iROAD 4000 module, which debuted at OFC/NFOEC 2006.

The companies will also represent each other's products in specific markets, DuPont said.

For more information, visit: www.photonics.dupont.com