MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA - June 19, 2001. The worldwide market for DWDM mux-demux components in telecom applications is forecast to decline 22% in 2001, compared to 2000, according to a new report by market research firm Strategies Unlimited. The decline is attributable to several factors, including a decline in new orders for DWDM equipment, excess component inventory, and falling prices. The market for 2000 was estimated at over $960 million worldwide. The report, entitled DWDM Mux-Demux Compo nents and Modules: AWG, Thin-Film, FBG, and Diffraction Gratings--2001-2005, analyzes the market for narrowband mux-demux devices for different applications, device types, and wavelength bands and spacings.

Mux-demux devices enable DWDM systems by combining (mux--or multiplexing) and separating (demux--or demultiplexing) the different wavelength channels at the terminals. The components require extremely high precision manufacturing techniques to route the channels with a minimum of loss and interference with other signals. Mux-demux component suppliers include Alcatel Optronics, Avanex, Bookham Technology, Corning, DiCon Fiberoptics, Hitachi Cable, ITF Optical Technologies, JDS Uniphase, Kymat a, Lightwave Microsystems, NEL and Oplink Communications, and Wavesplitter.

The rapid expansion of mux-demux sales in 2000 led to a flood of new suppliers in 2001. There are now over 70 suppliers offering products into this part of the telecom components market. Most of these suppliers are not shipping products, and few are likely to survive through next year. Of the companies, JDS Uniphase stands out as the overall leader, with 66% market share overall, as well as a strong position in every product category. North America currently leads the world in both supply an d consumption of mux-demux products for telecommunications applications, with over 84% of the revenues going to North American manufacturers.

The report categorizes all of the mux-demux technical approaches, including: those manufactured with a fiber platform (fiber Bragg gratings); those with micro-optic assembly (thin-film filters and diffraction gratings); and those with a planar platform similar to semiconductor fabrication (arrayed waveguide gratings and echelle gratings). It also reviews the suppliers, provides market share estimates for major products, and forecasts the market by product type for the next five years.

The report also reviews the demand for key constituent materials that go into fiber gratings, thin-film filters, and AWGs for mux-demux products. The expansion of the market in 2000 led to large growth in this supply market, and for the processing equipment used to manufacture the mux-demux devices.

DWDM Mux-Demux Components and Modules: AWG, Thin-Film, FBG, and Diffraction Gratings--2001-2005 is a 300-page report that reviews the applications, markets, technology, and suppliers of mux-demux devices for telecom applications. The report is available for immediate delivery at a price of $9,450. For more information, contact Strategies Unlimited on +1 650 941-3438 (voice) or +1 650 941-5120 (fax), e-mail at info@strategies-u.com, or c heck the company's web site at http://www.strategies-u.com.

Founded in 1979, Strategies Unlimited provides market intelligence for the RF/wireless, optoelectronic, optical communications, compound semiconductor, and photovoltaic components industries. The company is based in Mountain View, California.