ALPS Launches Lead-Free Aspherical Glass Lenses for Optical Communications

Duesseldorf, Germany, February 07, 2008 – ALPS ELECTRIC EUROPA GmbH announced the launch of new aspherical glass lenses using lead-free glass in its lineup of 35 existing aspherical glass lenses for optical communications, including fiber to the home (FTTH) and submarine cable. Quartz (silicon dioxide) is an extremely hard mineral and difficult to process compared with other raw materials used in glass. During processing, lead is usually mixed in to soften the material. However, against the backdrop of the formulation of various regulations for raw materials, there is rising momentum for environment consciousness on a global scale. To that end, an increasing demand for lead-free glass products is seen. With this in mind, ALPS has added new, lead-free products to its 35 existing aspherical glass lenses for optical communications. Using lead-free glass with a different reflection index and transition point, ALPS achieved products that are equivalent to existing products in terms of shape, specifications and price. The new lenses can be installed in conventional facilities without modifying specifications. ALPS plans to propose to assembly manufacturers that they replace existing aspherical glass lenses with the new lead-free type. Lead-free glass tends to have a lower reflection index compared to lead glass. Therefore, in order to achieve the same optical properties as existing products, ALPS has used optical design technology to redesign the shape of the aspherical surface to realize a higher refractive value. With the aim of creating values appreciated by people and kind to the global environment, ALPS will continue to develop environment-friendly products. Features Launch of new lead-free aspherical glass lenses for optical communications that realize shape, specifications and price equivalent to the existing lineup • Lead-free-type products addition to the existing lineup of 35 aspherical glass lenses for optical communications • Realizing shape, specifications and price equivalent to the existing products Principal Applications FTTH and submarine cable communication bases and LAN equipment for short-range communication Specifications Download press release including table of specifications

ALPS Electric Co., Ltd. Since its establishment in 1948 ALPS has grown as a comprehensive manufacturer of electronic components. At present ALPS is creating innovative high-value-added products in its main business segments – Components, Magnetic Devices, Communications, Peripheral Products, and Automotive Electronics – which are contributing to the advance of a digital society. ALPS is a global company that carries out its operations with 22 production bases in 9 countries as well as 57 sales bases in 14 countries. Consolidated net sales in the year ended March 31, 2005 amounted to YEN 644 billion. ALPS ELECTRIC EUROPA GmbH, a subsidiary of ALPS Electric Co., Ltd., was established in 1979. Since 1989, the European Head Office has been located in Düsseldorf, where a team of specialists works in Sales, Marketing, and Product Engineering. The activities of our branch offices in Munich, Paris and Milton Keynes, our sales office in Milan and our European distribution work are co-ordinated from Düsseldorf. ALPS Nordic AB, a 100 percent subsidiary of ALPS ELECTRIC EUROPA GmbH, is based in Sweden and services the Scandinavian market.