Confluent Photonics Acquires the DWDM Business of Lightchip

Andover, MA, October 15, 2002 -

Confluent Photonics Corporation, a provider of optical components to the cable and telecommunications industries, announced today the acquisition of the Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing ("DWDM") business of Lightchip, Inc., a private company located in Salem, NH. Lightchip develops high quality, cost-effective DWDM modules based on its patented free space diffraction grating technology platform.

The Lightchip DWDM modules are available in 16 to 52 channel configurations and are supplied system-ready for use in applications demanding completely passive operation and low insertion loss (<3.5 dB). The modules are both athermal and abaric; they feature flat top passbands and have been extensively tested in telecommunications labs and cable field installations.

Commenting on the acquisition, David Hardwick, Chairman and CEO of Confluent remarked, "We are delighted to have the Lightchip team join us. Ian Turner, who was formerly the CTO and Senior VP of Engineering of Lightchip, is our new President and Chief Operating Officer; with him he brings the talent and drive that allowed Lightchip to achieve leadership as a supplier of world class, plug-and-play DWDM products to cable and telecom system builders."

About Confluent Photonics Corporation

Confluent Photonics Corporation is a privately held company based in Andover, Massachusetts. The Company designs, develops and manufactures advanced component solutions to the cable and telecommunication industries. Investors include InnoCal Venture Capital, Rustic Canyon Ventures, INVESCO Private Capital and CIT Venture Capital. For more information, visit www.confluentphotonics.com.

CONTACT: David Hardwick, Chairman and CEO, Confluent Photonics Corporation,
(978) 738-8251, dhardwick@confluentphotonics.com