Corning Delivers Breakthrough in Optical Amplifier Technology.

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 24, 1998--Corning Incorporated (NYSE: GLW) announced today that it has developed a new optical amplifier for telecommunication networks that can boost as much as 80 wavelengths of light through a single optical fiber. In contrast, the most advanced transmission systems used today are capable of carrying just 16 wavelengths.

Corning said that it will supply its FiberGain(TM) amplifiers to Lucent Technologies for use in its breakthrough WaveStar(TM) optical networking system.

The amplifier, which was introduced today at the Optical Fiber Communications Conference (OFC) in San Jose, Calif., is designed with advanced operational features to accommodate a wide variety of system-link conditions. These features include an intelligent on-board amplifier control that can rapidly increase or decrease power automatically, while still maintaining a flat signal over more than 32 nanometers of the erbium passband. In addition, the control features of the amplifier enable the WaveStar system to be self-regulating, offering a cost savings and performance advantage to end-users.

"The WaveStar OLS 400G and its many components represent state-of-the-art technology that leapfrog the offerings of our competitors," said Scott Grout, Lucent's vice president of product marketing and management for optical networking.

As announced on January 26, Lucent's WaveStar optical networking system provides up to 400 gigabits per second over a single fiber -- five times that of today's fiber-optic systems.

"Corning and its new FiberGain amplifier will play an important role in helping WaveStar give service providers record-breaking capacity," he said.

Based on Bell Labs patented research, Lucent's system combines up to 80 high-capacity optical channels over one fiber.

Corning's Vice President and General Manager of the Photonic Technologies Division Gerald J. Fine said, "Corning takes pride in providing this critical optical networking component to Lucent Technologies. Our development and production expertise allow us to quickly drive the scale-up of new products in this rapidly changing industry."

Corning's Photonic Technologies division has designed and manufactured its FiberGain amplifier series since 1993. Today it is the world's leading supplier of erbium-doped amplifier modules in the world. The 80-channel FiberGain amplifier for the WaveStar system will be manufactured at Corning's Erwin, N.Y., facility, one of the largest and most advanced facilities of its kind.

Established in 1851, Corning Incorporated creates leading-edge technologies for the fastest growing segments of the world's economy. For communications and communications-related industries, Corning manufactures optical fiber, photonic components, high-performance glass and components for television, and other electronic displays and equipment. Corning also manufactures advanced materials for scientific and environmental markets. Corning's total revenues in 1997 were $4.1 billion.

CONTACT: Corning Investor Relations Contacts:

Richard B. Klein [phone]

Katherine M. Dietz [phone]

Paul A. Rogoski [phone]