EMCORE Launches micro-ITLA Tunable Laser for Coherent Applications

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., March 5, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EMCORE Corporation (Nasdaq:EMKR), a leading provider of compound semiconductor-based components and subsystems for the fiber optics and solar power markets, announced today that it has begun sampling customers for qualification of the new micro-Integrable Tunable Laser Assembly (ITLA) and expects to be at full production in the fall of 2012.

The micro-ITLA is based on EMCORE's external cavity laser (ECL) ITLA technology which has been the most widely-used tunable laser source for high-speed 40 and 100 gigabit per second coherent transmission systems, thanks to its narrow linewidth, low noise and excellent frequency accuracy. Additional standard features include a grid-agnostic channel plan, off-grid tuning, and in-operation power and frequency adjustment capability.

The EMCORE micro-ITLA integrates our proprietary cooled ECL technology in a miniaturized package that offers all the benefits of the industry-leading EMCORE ITLA in a form-factor that is three times smaller with 25% less power consumption. The micro-ITLA comes with a standard ITLA RS-232 digital user interface for convenient technology independent control of the product. The smaller form-factor and reduced power consumption enables customers to design higher densities and improved performance into their coherent system.

"Leveraging EMCORE's field-proven ClearLight^TM ECL technology in an ultra-small form-factor, the micro-ITLA represents a dramatic next step in tunable laser technology," commented Jaime Reloj, EMCORE's Vice President of Business Development. "EMCORE is the industry leader in ITLA's for the coherent market. By leveraging our in-house semiconductor design and manufacturing, we continue to provide our customers with highly-differentiated tunable laser solutions for high-performance telecom applications, as well as pioneering products that are aligned with future network needs."

EMCORE will be at the 2012 Optical Fiber Conference (OFC) at the Los Angeles Convention Center, March 6-8 in the Corporate Village, suites 2555 and 2557.

About EMCORE

EMCORE Corporation offers a broad portfolio of compound semiconductor-based products for the broadband, fiber optics, satellite and solar power markets. EMCORE's Fiber Optic segment offers optical components, subsystems and systems for high-speed data and telecommunications networks, cable television (CATV) and fiber-to-the-premise (FTTP), as well as specialty photonics technologies for defense and homeland security applications. EMCORE's Photovoltaic segment provides products for both satellite and terrestrial applications. For satellite applications, EMCORE offers high-efficiency Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) solar cells, Covered Interconnect Cells (CICs) and panels. For terrestrial applications, EMCORE is adapting its high-efficiency GaAs solar cells for use in solar concentrator systems. For further information about EMCORE, visit http://www.emcore.com.

Forward–looking statements:

The information provided herein may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such statements include statements regarding the company's expectations, goals or intentions, including, but not limited to, product features and their benefits, product quality and network growth. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about the company and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those stated in the forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties that could cause the company's actual results to differ from those set forth in any forward-looking statement are discussed in more detail under "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in the company's SEC filings. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made only as of the date hereof, and the company undertakes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

CONTACT: EMCORE Corporation
         Mark Weinswig
         Chief Financial Officer
         (505) 332-5000
         investor@emcore.com

         TTC Group
         Victor Allgeier
         (646) 290-6400
         vic@ttcominc.com

Released March 5, 2012