Bringing the edge of optical transparency through metro access to the end user requires that mature fiber components be replaced with less costly optical components that support faster, less expensive all-optical networks. Yet today's manufacturing approaches for all-optical photonics components are too inefficient for the industry to address the available markets.

To fulfill the promise of all-optical networks, a new class of economical, small-form-factor components must compensate for signal loss using dynamic amplification while providing greater levels of functionality in new types of optical equipment. This need is driving the transition from fiber-based discrete components to planar integrated photonic devices, which can use manufacturing processes similar to those used for highly integrated semiconductors.

Unlike fiber-based components, planar integrated photonic devices benefit from Moore's Law-type scalability. And like semiconductors, they also require new materials, process technologies and fabrication equipment.

Fundamental changes in manufacturing economics need to take place to

remove the efficiency bottlenecks, allowing the industry to sustain profitable growth by tapping increasingly price-sensitive markets. This means we need the commercial availability of enabling technologies, such as equipment, materials and general methodologies, including the attendant service, support, and research and development.

One enabling technology is a class of devices called amplifying planar integrated components (APICs), which decrease the cost, reduce the size and improve the scalability of optical functions by combining planar light wave circuit functionality with optical amplifiers. With APICs, it is feasible to create alloptical network systems that will enable carriers to rapidly provision a variety of revenue-generating services, providing compelling economic reasons to "light up" the abundant fiber network that has already been installed.

While the established industry players reduce spending on critical development programs, venture-backed startups are providing the needed manufacturing innovations. By focusing their efforts on new generations of materials, processes and components, startups are developing the technology breakthroughs that will lead to the resurgence of the optical industry.

Bob Conner is President and Chief Executive Officer of Symmorphix Inc. (Santa Rosa, Calif.).