Tokyo, March 25, 2002 -- The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd, has announced the development of a joint venture with Mitsui Chemical to produce high power 980nm laser chips. The joint venture will leverage Furukawa's expertise in output signal stabilization and Mitsui Chemical's semiconductor chip technology to create a Decoupled Confinement Heterostructure (DCH) chip capable of more than 300mW in output power.

The company, named MC Fitel, will be based in Chiba, Japan and will be headed by Yoshikazu Ikegami of the Furukawa Electric Optical Devices Division. Furukawa and Mitsui have been working jointly on the development of high power 980nm chips since October 2000. The formation of MC Fitel will streamline the development and manufacturing process to quickly address the increasing market demand for 980nm pump lasers.

Laser diode modules are an integral component for erbium doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs), which are used to amplify optical signals in WDM systems. 980nm pump laser modules are often used in pre-amplifiers because of their low-noise characteristics. Furukawa has a strong history and expertise in developing and manufacturing laser diode modules.

The company plans to be fully established on April 1, 2002 with a 65% investment by Furukawa Electric and a 35% investment by Mitsui Chemical. The headquarters will be located in Furukawa's Chiba Works facility located in Ichihara, Chiba, Japan.

For more information on Mitsui Chemicals, visit wwww.mitsui-chem.co.jp/english/index.htm

For more informatdion on Furukawa Electric, visit www.furukawa.co.jp/english/index.htm

Laser Focus World

Mon Mar 25 11:11:00 CST 2002