Oak Industries' Lasertron Subsidiary Wins Multi-Million Dollar Contract with AT&T Network Systems

Strategic Insights -

Oak Industries' Lasertron subsidiary has received a significant contract with AT&T Network Systems to supply 980-nm pump lasers for the Next Generation Lightwave Network (NGLN) program. This contract marks a significant milestone for Lasertron, which was named an AT&T Preferred Supplier last year and is the largest provider of 980-nm pump lasers in the world. The pump lasers will be used to drive erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFA's), boosting light signals over fiber-optic telecommunication lines without converting them to electronic pulses. This simplifies the network and increases its reliability.

Key Takeaways:

  • Lasertron has received a multi-million dollar contract with AT&T Network Systems to supply 980-nm pump lasers for the Next Generation Lightwave Network (NGLN) program.
  • The contract spans 18 months, with initial product shipments already begun.
  • Lasertron is the largest provider of 980-nm pump lasers in the world and the first component manufacturer to offer these lasers in commercial quantities for use in EDFA's.
  • The pump lasers will be used to drive AT&T erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFA's), simplifying the network and increasing its reliability.
  • Lasertron designs and manufactures semiconductor laser and detector components for use in fiber-based communications systems and is the leading supplier of 980-nm pump lasers used in long-distance optical amplifiers.
  • The company was acquired by Oak Industries last month as part of Oak's strategy to grow its communications components businesses through acquisitions.
  • Oak Industries Inc. is primarily a provider of components for the cable television and telecommunications industries, as well as controls for the appliance, avionics, and test and instrumentation markets.
  • The company is pursuing a growth strategy through acquisitions, new product introductions, and ongoing productivity enhancements.

Statistics:

  • Contract value: multi-million dollar
  • Contract duration: 18 months
  • Initial product shipments: already begun
  • Product application: Next Generation Lightwave Network (NGLN) program
  • Lasertron's market position: largest provider of 980-nm pump lasers in the world
  • Lasertron's customer base: AT&T Network Systems

Sources:

  • Oak Industries Inc. press release, Oct. 18, 1995
  • Lasertron company information
  • AT&T Network Systems company information