Oplink Delivers Its First Acousto-Optic Tunable Filter Products For Next Generation Applications.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 16, 2002

Oplink Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq:OPLK), a leading designer and manufacturer of innovative optical components and subsystems, today announced the initial shipment of its Acousto-Optic Tunable Filter (AOTF) products for use in a next-generation optical network application to be announced later this year.

Oplink acquired the innovative Acousto-Optic (AO) technology through its acquisition last year of Aurora Photonics, a leader in the development of this technology. AOTF products can utilize various mediums such as crystals, fibers and waveguides in which acoustic waves at radio frequencies (RF) are used to selectively separate a single wavelength of light at extremely fast tuning speeds from a broadband, multicolor source, without additional de-multiplexing. The wavelength of light selected is determined by the frequency of the RF applied. The wavelength is tuned by varying the frequency of the RF.

"Acousto-Optics is a forward-looking technology and will have a dramatic impact on the fulfillment of the vision for the all optical network," stated Ken Brizel, Oplink's senior vice president, strategy and business development. "With the continued distribution of intelligence and functionality throughout the network, AO technology delivers a finer degree of network control through higher levels of integration and wavelength processing."

AOTF products offer cost and functionality advantages over competing tunable technologies. These high-speed remotely tunable filters enable dynamic bandwidth allocation, remote provisioning and switching for both system and network service cost reductions.

Dr. I.C. Chang, Oplink's vice president of advanced AO technology, pioneered AO technology and the development of the first series of commercial AO products through Aurora Photonics. Based on numerous patents and other proprietary design and fabrication techniques, Oplink has established a unique capability in this technology for the development and manufacture of innovative AO products.

About Oplink Communications

Oplink designs, manufactures and markets fiber optic networking components and integrated optical subsystems that expand optical bandwidth, amplify optical signals, monitor and protect wavelength performance and redirect light signals within an optical network. Oplink offers a broad line of products that increase the performance of optical networks and enable service providers and optical system manufacturers to provide flexible and scalable bandwidth to support the exponential increase of data traffic on the Internet. The Company supplies products worldwide to telecommunications equipment providers. Oplink is online at www.oplink.com.

This news release contains forward-looking statements regarding our continued strategic implementation that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are inherently speculative, and actual results could differ materially from those referred to in the forward-looking statements for a variety of factors, including the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer and the related transitions associated therewith, the effects of the stock repurchase program on the Company's stock price and cash reserves, the widespread downturns in the overall economy in the United States and other parts of the world and in the telecommunications and fiber optic industry, and the difficulties associated with transitioning our manufacturing operations to China. Other risk factors relating to Oplink are detailed in our SEC filings, including our report on Form 10K dated September 29, 2001 and Form 10-Q, dated November 14, 2001. The foregoing information represents Oplink's outlook only as of the date of this press release, and Oplink undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new developments or otherwise.