Oclaro Delivers VCSELs for First Miniature Atomic Clock Available in Volume; Announces Design Win with Symmetricom

SAN JOSE, Calif., Jan. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Oclaro, Inc. (Nasdaq: OCLR), a tier-one provider of innovative optical communications and laser solutions, today announced that it has developed single-mode Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers (VCSEL) for atomic clocks and these lasers are being used by Symmetricom, a world leader in the design and manufacturing of frequency standards, in its SA.35m miniaturized rubidium atomic clock. Featuring ultra-high stability, low noise and a wavelength of 795 nm, the Oclaro single-mode VCSELs signify a new direction in the industry by enabling the world's first miniature atomic clock available in volume.

While atomic clocks are recognized as extremely precise time-keeping devices, they have been limited in size and reliability due to their traditional gas lamp. By replacing the gas lamp with a laser, manufacturers such as Symmetricom can significantly improve the reliability and power consumption of atomic clocks and also begin targeting applications that require smaller devices.

"A core part of Oclaro's strategy is to expand into adjacent markets where we can leverage our optical technology and solutions to deliver value for customers," said Yves LeMaitre, Executive Vice President and Division Manager at Oclaro. "We are pleased to extend our proven laser technology into atomic clock devices which enable Symmetricom to provide the benefits of atomic clocks in much smaller form factors."

The Oclaro single mode VCSELs enable advances in physics miniaturization, which result in reduced size and power consumption while providing stable reference frequencies that are immune to standard environmental perturbation These lasers power Symmetricom's SA.3Xm rubidium atomic frequency reference, a miniature atomic oscillator component used by network equipment manufacturers to ensure reliable wireless infrastructure.  

"Oclaro's breadth of technology is enabling us to deliver a new generation of laser-based atomic clocks," said Jeff Dansereau, Director of Engineering at Symmetricom.  "The ability to bring atomic oscillators to newer, small form factors enables a variety of end systems to achieve performance previously unattainable."

About Oclaro

Oclaro, Inc. (NASDAQ: OCLR) is a tier-one provider of optical communications and laser components, modules and subsystems for a broad range of diverse markets, including telecommunications, industrial, scientific, consumer electronics, and medical. Oclaro is a global leader, dedicated to photonics innovation with cutting-edge research and development (R&D) and chip fabrication facilities in the U.K., Switzerland and Italy, and in-house and contract manufacturing sites in the U.S., Thailand and China. To support its diverse and global customer base, Oclaro maintains design, sales and service organizations in each of the major regions around the world. For more information visit http://www.oclaro.com.

Copyright 2011. All rights reserved. Oclaro, the Oclaro logo, and certain other Oclaro trademarks and logos are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Oclaro, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the US and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.  Information in this release is subject to change without notice.

SOURCE Oclaro, Inc.