GLENDALE, Calif., Jan. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- AFO Research Inc. (AFO) today announced that it successfully developed and completed testing on the next generation of specialty optical glasses which offers market changing benefits for the communications, medical laser, and commercial laser industries.

AFO's glasses were recently compared to commercially available glasses BK20, ZBLAN, Phosphate and FP 20 which are produced by industry leaders such as Corning, Asahi, Hoya, Ohara Inc, and Schott AG. Test results confirmed that AFO's next generation glasses have far superior optical characteristics which would allow optical device and optical component manufacturers to develop smaller and better performing devices at relatively lower costs.

"The potential impact here is substantial. According to Infonetics Research, optical hardware sales in these markets are expected to reach $12.3 billion by 2009. AFO's next generation optical glasses are poised to gain a significant share of this market," said Jack Illare, Chairman & President of AFO Research, Inc. "By offering a lower cost, high quality glass to optical device and component manufacturers, the resulting improvements in performance at lower cost can drive profitability better than any glass currently on the market."

Within the communications industry, AFO's glasses will form the core of better performing WDM (Wavelength Division Multiplexing) and DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing) systems. In the commercial laser industry, the glasses will enable better performing high power compact lasers, high power fiber lasers, and high power fiber amplifiers. In the medical laser industry, this means better preforming High Performance Compact Eye Safe Lasers and new applications that demand optimal optical clarity and performance.