Business Services Industry

NanoOpto Corp. and Sumitomo Metal Mining Announce New Enabling Polarization Device

Business Wire, March 28, 2007

Nano-optic-based product samples shipping

SOMERSET, N.J. & TOKYO -- NanoOpto Corporation, which is applying novel design methods and proprietary nano-fabrication technology to produce a broad range of unique optical components that enable innovative functionality, higher quality, low-cost optical components and systems, and Sumitomo Metal Mining (SMM), of Japan, the world-wide leader in optical isolators and related components for fiber optic network applications, announce that their joint-development partnership has resulted in its next new product for optical communication applications.

NanoOpto and Sumitomo Metal Mining and their collaboration on the development of new, integrated telecommunications components, has produced a Wavelength Dependent Polarizer, an integral component embedded in SMM's Wavelength Dependent Isolator. By only polarizing selective wavelength bands, for instance 1310nm or 1490nm, the wavelength-dependent polarizer (WD-POL) enables a wavelength dependent isolator which performs as a polarization dependent isolator for a selective wavelength band and transmits all the other wavelengths. The success of the wavelength-dependent isolator significantly simplifies module design for BiDirectional and Triplexer applications.

This new Isolator will enable improved transceiver versatility and a reduction in number of parts required in optical transceiver modules. As a direct result, customers will enjoy simplified assembly procedures and a lower bill of materials cost. This unique new polarizer is the next new product resulting from the business relationship, which is already bringing advantages to customers and enhances both companies' abilities to address optical networking component providers' increasingly challenging requirements.

"The synergy between SMM's Communications Components business and NanoOpto continues to build momentum and bear fruit as demonstrated by the creation of one more innovative product that changes the rules of optical communications transceiver design in converging voice, data and video consumer applications," said Barry Weinbaum, President and CEO of NanoOpto Corporation. "SMM's position and strong relationships with market-leading customers are keys to accelerating our innovations that enable continued performance improvements and improved value. This latest innovation will clearly help our customers differentiate their products in the marketplace."

"The development partnership with NanoOpto enables us to do together what would be very difficult to do separately. The wavelength dependent polarizer can be moved to the fiber stub and provides our customers a design flexibility previously unavailable. This new product is another example bringing advantages to our customers," said Osamu Inoue, General Manager of SMM's Communications Materials and Devices Department.

New products from SMM and NanoOpto, including the Wavelength Dependent Polarizer and Wavelength Dependent Isolator samples will be available in April 2007.

About NanoOpto

NanoOpto Corporation is applying proprietary nano-fabrication technology to the rapid design and high-volume manufacture of nano-optic devices for optical components and systems. The company's nanometer scale optical function design capability combined with wafer-based manufacturing methods delivers optical components that allow more rapid prototyping, higher performance, and lower overall system cost. Both independently and with industry partners, NanoOpto uses its technology to produce superior versions of standard optical components and new classes of integrated optical subassemblies for both custom and general applications. The company has received financial backing from leading venture capitalists and is based in Somerset, New Jersey. In its October 2006 study, the Authoritative Ranking of Nanotechnology Start-up Companies for Partnership Value, Lux Research ranked NanoOpto #1 world-wide. For additional information about NanoOpto, visit www.nanoopto.com.

About Sumitomo Metal Mining

Sumitomo Metal Mining was founded in 1590. In the more than four centuries since its founding, SMM has developed broad expertise across a diverse set of businesses. Sales for the year ended March 2006 were US $ 5.3 billion, a 29% growth over the prior year. The company has a global presence. For additional information about Sumitomo Metal Mining, please visit http://www.smm.co.jp/material/d09optical_iso.html.>