NeoPhotonics designs and manufactures innovative, photonic integrated circuit (PIC) based MEMS (micro electro-mechanical systems) components for next generation, dynamically configurable optical networks. NeoPhotonics’ MEMS products begin with wafers manufactured using standard CMOS technology, thus taking advantage of the integration scale of the semiconductor industry. When combined with the NeoPhotonics™ advanced packaging and manufacturing capabilities, this results in a new category of MEMS components that are designed to exceed specifications for performance, compactness, manufacturability and reliability. NeoPhotonics' products are designed for efficient manufacturing as well. From dicing the finished MEMS wafer to shipping the final product to the customer, all processes are done in-house using real time automated data collection designed to provide high product quality and yield.

NeoPhotonics has developed two different MEMS technologies to address the requirements of diverse applications. The diffractive MEMS platform enables the development of dynamic components that demonstrate high performance and low cost. Its design is optimized for a broad range of high performance products. Diffractive MEMS technology enables the creation of a unique actuator, which functions as a voltage controlled variable diffraction grating. The reflective mirror MEMS technology enables the creation of products with high attenuation levels and can be configured as bright or dark devices.

NeoPhotonics offers two product lines based on these technologies. The Variable Optical Attenuator (VOA) is used in applications such as optical amplifiers, Mux/DeMux, OADM, receiver protection and tilt compensation. The Dynamic Channel Equalizer product line is used to configure ROADMs and Optical Nodes to equalize or block individual optical channels and enables dynamic provisioning in the network.