According to the "Pump Laser Diode Module Global Market Forecast" from ElectroniCast Corp. of San Mateo, Calif., global consumption of the devices will reach $255 million by 2008. In 2003, sales of the modules reached just over $70 million in telecommunications applications.
Company President Stephen Montgomery predicts that, from 2008 through 2013, dense wavelength division multiplexing, "green field" (new builds) and the "lighting up" of "dark fiber" will create an increase in the use of optical fiber amplifiers, which incorporate the modules. The Asian module market is expected to
Montgomery also said that the 1480-nm pump laser diode modules, with output of >200 mW, will eventually take the market share lead.