High-capacity optical telecommunications require optoelectronic components that operate at high frequency ranges. Established in spring 2000, Modulight Oy manufactures semiconductor chips for transmitter and receiver units used in optical fibre networks. The products are partly based on a manufacturing technology developed at TUT.
“Modulight was founded by a group of scientists working at the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) at TUT. In the beginning, the company conducted its R&D in ORC's premises. Six months later our operations gained a significant boost when we established cooperation with the French technology company Picogiga,” says President & CEO Petteri Uusimaa.
An investment plan of over EUR 10 million was drawn up for Modulight, enabling the company to build its own premises next to TUT at the Technology Centre Hermia. Providing a floor space of 3,000 square metres and with a full manufacturing line for optoelectronic components, the premises were taken into use in autumn 2001.
“We have now reached the stage where our first products are in production. We have also recently received an ISO 9001:2000 quality certification, which will significantly strengthen our position in a market where product reliability is imperative,” Uusimaa says.
Modulight’s customers are North American, European and Asian telecommunication component manufacturers and system suppliers. For some time to come, the United States will remain the most important end market for optical telecommunication systems.