SANTA CLARA, Calif. and MUNICH, Germany, June 11, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Redfern Integrated Optics, Inc. (RIO), the leading supplier of low noise external cavity lasers and subsystems for fiber optic sensing, LIDAR, reflectometry, RF photonics and other applications, today announced several new features becoming available for its ORION(tm) Module platform. RIO will showcase this new product at the Laser World of Photonics 2009 tradeshow in Munich, Germany, in hall B1 - booth 301, June 15-18, 2009.
Based on the unprecedented success of the recently introduced ORION(tm) Module at Photonics West '09, the tunable module is positioned to provide end users with a new fast frequency tuning functionality, or a direct amplitude modulation functionality in one single compact easy-to-use package. Communication with the module is accomplished via SPI, RS232,or RS485 interface -- a set of industry-standard options allowing for reduced development cycle time to the end user. A RIO-supplied Graphical User Interface (GUI) further allows for simple integration into advanced fiber optic sensing systems.
RIO's ORION(tm) Tunable Module now allows end users to directly modulate frequency with a bandwidth of 0-10kHz -- via the unit's 9-pin D-sub connector, over the unit's specified case temperature of 0-70 degrees C. This easy-to-use feature is part of the intrinsic design of the PLANEX(tm) semiconductor laser platform and does not require complex and costly high-voltage drive electronics commonly required by piezo-electric tuning technologies. Alternatively, the module can be used in direct power modulation mode.
"RIO's quality policy states that we 'first understand our customers' expectations, then meet or exceed our commitment to those expectations,'" said Dr. Radu Barsan, chairman, president and CEO of RIO. "Five months after the successful introduction of the ORION(tm) Module, we are offering the enhanced functionality that many of our customers required, including fast tuning, direct modulation, and multi-interface support, while preserving the cost effectiveness and Telcordia reliability of our proprietary technology. We are pleased to offer this capability without the need for additional components with unproven reliability such as piezos."
Applications that will specifically benefit from the new product enhancements include fiber optic sensing and Brillouin DTSS for Oil & Gas exploration and production monitoring, pipeline and structural health monitoring, LIDAR, and high-resolution metrology. The ORION(tm) Tunable Module is available and shipping now.
About RIO Inc.
Redfern Integrated Optics, Inc. (RIO) develops and manufactures optical sources and subsystems based on its proprietary planar external cavity laser technology (PLANEX(tm)), which delivers unique price-performance advantages in multiple markets. RIO's product lines include 1550nm single frequency narrow linewidth lasers and modules with very low noise, unparalleled wavelength stability, low cost, small size, low power dissipation, and Telecom grade lifetime reliability. For more information, please visit www.rio-inc.com.