Paris, June 20, 2000 - Alcatel Optronics, a world leader in opto-electronic components
(Opto-electronic components convert electrical signals into optical pulses and vise versa.) for
telecommunications, has received the"NEURONE D'OR" prize, Europe's top technology award
for innovation, in recognition of the firm's development of products based on planar
technology. The award was made in association with the 9th showcase of "Entretiens
Europ‚ens de la Technologie". The jury consisted of members representative of industry,
research, academia, and technical journalists. The award will be presented this evening by
Jean-Paul Huchon, President of the Ile-de-France Regional Council, to Philippe Br‚gi, Chief
Operating Officer of Alcatel Optronics, during a meeting with Europe's best and brightest in
the world of high technology.
Planar technology facilitates the integration of active opto-electronic components (those
which create light) and passives (those which transport light). It permits the combination of a
number of different functions on the same support platform, functions including emission
(lasers), reception (photo-detectors), and wavelength combining and separation (multiplexers,
and de-multiplexers). Such integration facilitates volume manufacturing and lowers unit costs
(See enclosed document).
The launch of high volume production of these products coincides with the "Optronics 2000"
program, which entails a doubling in the size of the firm's principal production facility in
Nozay, Paris region, to more than 22,100 square meters. This expansion will serve the
production of optical and opto-electronic chips, as well as the assembly and testing of active
and passive optical modules. Launched in October of last year, the new capacity will come on
line in September 2000, and will enable the creation of 500 new jobs over a three year period.
"This award is a further recognition of the innovation capability of Alcatel
Optronics", commented Philippe Br‚gi, Chief Operating Officer of Alcatel Optronics. "Key
elements in optical transmission systems, opto-electronic components will be used
more and more widely to respond to the explosion in internet traffic. Our research
activities in this domain confirm our position as world leaders in components for
optical networking".
Regarding Alcatel Optronics
Alcatel Optronics design, manufacture and market state-of-the-art opto-electronic solutions
(modules for emission, reception, amplification, optical interfaces and optical routing...) for
optical transmission systems. With a particular expertise in DWDM components for high bit-rate
systems, Alcatel Optronics' wide product and technology portfolio positions the company to
respond to the rapid evolution of optical networks in the new millenium.
- Annual production has been tripled over the last 4 years.
- More than 50% of the turnover is achieved with products developed within the last twelve
months.
- The company has been recompensed eleven times between 1996 and 1999 by the
American media for its innovations.
- Staff: 521 people (multiplied by 2 in 4 years).
- Sales: A 400% progression of its turnover in the course of the last 4 years.
Regarding "Entretiens Europ‚ens de la Technologie" (EET)
EET each year provide a showcase for best European innovations to the major players from
leading companies, research laboratories and academia. This conference was held on the
19th and 20th of June, at "Cit‚ des Sciences et de l'Industrie de La Villette" in Paris, France.
Each year, the objectives of this conference is to recognize the best innovation of the year
with the "NEURONE" awards, to stimulate innovation, encourage technology transfer within
Europe and provide the ideal forum for the principal European technology players. For more
information, visit EET on the Internet: e-e-t.com
Alcatel Optronics presents "Planar"Technology
"How to use optics as easily as electronics"
What is "planar"? Planar technology facilitates the integration of active optoelectronic
components (those which create light) and passives (those which transport light). It permits the
combination of a number of different functions on the same support platform, functions
including emission (lasers), reception (photo-detectors), wavelength combining and separation
(multiplexers, and de-multiplexers). Such integration facilitates volume manufacturing and
lowers unit costs.
Planar technology simplifies the alignment of the optical fiber to the laser or photo-detector
thanks to an etched silicium support, which reduces assembly time by more than 50%.
This technology can also be applied to different types of components.
For example, it can be used in a module to allow a detachable fiber pigtail. Removing the
optical fiber eliminates the risk of damage to the fiber during industrial assembly, thus such a
module becomes compatible with high-speed, automated board mounting procedures. In
this sense, optical components now can be handled just like electronic components.
So optics can be utilized as easily as electronics.
This new technology allows the development of components which answer all the
requirements of the large roll out of high bit-rate optical transmission (long distance, metro and
access) by providing simply manufactured, lower cost components with integrated
functionalities. Planar technology is launching a new age of simplified optical components in
the same way that the transistor revolutionized electronics.
Contact :
M. Guy Mesquida
Alcatel Optronics
T‚l : 01 64 49 49 03
E-mail : guy.mesquida@alcatel.fr
alcatel.com
Contact press@www.alcatel.com |
