Fiber-optic communication networks, which form the foundation of our society’s communication infrastructure, will need to evolve dramatically in the near future. Internet data, video and other communications traffic are growing exponentially due to the popularity, speed and efficiency of 5G mobile, cloud businesses and online services. Along with these inflating traffic demands, the capacity of switches and routers used in the networks of hyper-scale data centers are also increasing. To support these demands, high-capacity 400 Gigabit optical transceivers have been introduced this year with future bandwidth upgrades using 800 Gigabit optical transceivers being planned.
Optical devices used in these transceivers have traditionally been discrete components such as modulators, receivers, and variable wavelength lasers, or integrated optical devices made of a single material such as silicon photonics. The next generation of 800G components and transceivers will require a higher level of integration so as to minimize size and power consumption. These multi-functional, highly integrated optical devices will integrate silicon, optical amplifiers, light sources, as well as compound optical semiconductors. (Figure 1)

In this co-operative agreement, we will promote the creation of market-leading, optical device innovations through collaboration between FOC, which has the top share in the optical transceiver device market(* 1,* 2), and Furukawa Electric, which leads the market in compound semiconductors including tunable light sources.

１．Development Cooperation Scheme for Next-Generation Integrated Devices
By combining the "optical passive technology" of FOC's LN and silicon photonics with the "optical active technology" of Furukawa Electric's compound optical semiconductor, we will realize multifunctional, highly integrated optical devices targeting over 800 gigabytes in the next generation. (Figure 2)

 

２．Sales cooperation
Since communication systems using digital coherent technology are complex in technology and component composition, we will provide not only individual optical devices but also transceiver solutions including variable wavelength lasers and optical amplifiers of Furukawa Electric as well as LN modulators (* 3) of FOC, ICR (* 4), and optical integrated devices of FOC, especially in sales activities in the Asian region.

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  Fujitsu Optical Components Main works
  
  

  LN Modulator

  ICR

  Pluggable Transceiver

  Furukawa electric Main works
  
  

  Multi-channel Micro-ITLA (*5)

  Optical amplifiers (semiconductor chip)

  Notes

  (*1) https://www.fujitsu.com/jp/group/foc/subsidiary-gig5-sample/about/resources/news/press-releases/downloads/20210331.html
  (*2)https://www.fujitsu.com/jp/group/foc/subsidiary-gig5-sample/about/resources/news/press-releases/downloads/20210601.html
  (*3) LN modulators are discrete devices that converts an electrical data signal into an optical data stream via the electro-optic effect of a LiNbO3 crystal. Intensity modulators convert input electrical signals to optical intensity signals, while phase modulators convert them to optical phase signals. One of the LN modulator's features is modulation with minimal wavelength chirping. This is a desirable characteristic for ultra high-speed, long haul, and DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing) transmission.
  (*4)Abbreviation for Integrated Coherence Receiver. Complies with OIF requirements and ensures equipment design for multi-supplier adoption
  (*5) ITLA: Abbreviation for Integrable Tunable Laser Assembly

  Trademarks

  Company and product names used in this press release are protected as the trademarks and proprietary product names of their respective companies.

  Contacts

  Fujitsu Optical Components Limited

  Marketing Department
  E-mail： foc-contact-pr@dl.jp.fujitsu.com