Optical MEMS: It isn’t just for telecom anymore

Feb. 27, 2003 — The telecom drought hasn’t dried up all hope for optical MEMS, according to a new report.

Optical MEMS subsystems are expected to grow from $560 million this year to $1.7 billion in 2007, according to “Emerging Opportunities in Optical MEMS: 2003-2007,” a report just released by Communications Industry Researchers Inc. It also predicts the total value of the equipment that relies on optical MEMS will run into the tens of billions of dollars.

The $3,500 report said the growth will come from several areas, including optical sensors for metrology, displays and industrial applications for light control and storage. Niche uses include integration of optical MEMS into printing applications to improve accuracy.

Despite telecom’s troubles, the report said the industry will continue to contribute to optical MEMS’ revenues. MEMS switches are gradually replacing optomechanical switches to protect network equipment, and optical MEMS remains the technology of choice for many buyers of variable optical attenuators. Overall, however, the report concludes MEMS devices will not be widely adopted in optical, and developers need to overcome reliability issues.

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