Optical Talent Strengthens JGKB Photonics Startup Team

Vancouver, Canada, March 6th, 2001– JGKB Photonics, a leading developer of electro-optic modulator components for 40 Gb/Sec fiber optic transmission, today announces it's seasoned corporate team and recently added capability.

JGKB Photonics has named Alan Guest as Chief Executive Officer, who is a highly experienced executive with a track record in marketing, selling, engineering, and research management in the optical fiber telecom business. Entering the fiber optic industry 18 years ago with Nortel, he held positions of Manager of Engineering and Product Manager in the Optical Systems Division. He has also successfully guided a new technology venture as Business Unit Manager in North America for Pirelli Cavi SpA, and introduced the Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifier to the telecom industry and spearheaded the development of a $100 M/yr business. He brings extensive industry contacts as the founding President of the BC Photonic Industry Association and a Director of the Canadian Photonics Consortium.

Inventor Dr. Nicolas Jaeger, is a Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of British Columbia, who, for the past four years has been a driving force in the creation of NxtPhase Corporation, an unrelated company that exploits his work in optics for power utility applications. Dr. Jaeger is working with JGKB Photonics under contract to guide technology development.

Hiroshi Kato, M.A.Sc., has been named Director of Manufacturing and Product Development. He was formerly a Photonics consultant and collaborator of Dr. Jaeger's, as well as a consultant to NxtPhase Corporation. He adds capable applied knowledge in electro-optical component design, electronic integration, packaging and testing.

Jeff Bull has joined the company as a Senior Research Scientist and is one of Dr. Jaeger's PhD students, bringing a deep understanding of the core electro-optic technology. Jeff will be integral to detailed characterization and design of the technology prototypes. Additionally, Dr. Alina Kulpa, a Research Engineer at UBC's Center for Advanced Technology in Microelectronics, is providing support for the development of complex fabrication required by the company, through a contract with UBC.

JGKB Photonics plans to further expand the startup team in the financial and business development area as commercialization is accelerated.


About JGKB Photonics Inc.
JGKB Photonics is a privately held company whose proprietary optical modulator technology is positioned to revolutionize the high-speed modulator market by meeting market demand for reliable operation at higher data rates with lower system power consumption.