<PAGE>   1
                                                                 EXHIBIT 10.8.12

                               AVANEX CORPORATION

                                 1998 STOCK PLAN

                             STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

         Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Plan shall
have the same defined meanings in this Option Agreement.

I.       NOTICE OF STOCK OPTION GRANT

--------------------

         You have been granted an Option to purchase Common Stock of the
Company, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option
Agreement, as follows:

<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
         Date of Grant                                        December 10, 1999

         Vesting Commencement Date                            December 10, 1999

         Exercise Price per Share                             $5.00

         Total Number of Shares Granted                       26,667

         Total Exercise Price                                 $133,335.00

         Type of Option:                                      [ ] Incentive Stock Option

                                                              [X] Nonstatutory Stock Option

         Term/Expiration Date:                                December 9, 2009
</TABLE>

         Exercise and Vesting Schedule:

         This Option shall be exercisable immediately in its entirety on or
after the Vesting Commencement Date, conditioned upon Optionee entering into a
Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement, substantially in the form attached hereto
as EXHIBIT C-1, with respect to any unvested Shares. The minimum number of
shares with respect to which an Option may be exercised in part at any time is
one thousand (1,000) unless the Option grants the right to purchase, or the
number of remaining shares subject to the Option, is fewer than one thousand
(1,000) shares. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Option may not be exercised
more frequently than twice in any continuous twelve (12) month period; provided,
however, that the foregoing restriction shall not apply so as to prevent an
exercise following the Optionee's termination of employment as set forth in the
Option Agreement. The Shares subject to this Option shall vest and be released
from the Company's repurchase option as follows: Provided that Optionee
maintains a continuous status as a Service Provider of the Company, Optionee
shall vest and the Option shall be exercisable as to 12/48ths of

<PAGE>   2

the Shares on the one year anniversary of the Vesting Commencement Date and at
the rate of 1/48th of the Shares on the last day of each full calendar month
thereafter, provided that the Purchaser is a Service Provider of the Company as
of such date.

II.      AGREEMENT

         1. Grant of Option. The Plan Administrator of the Company hereby grants
to the Optionee named in the Notice of Grant (the "Optionee"), an option (the
"Option") to purchase the number of Shares set forth in the Notice of Grant, at
the exercise price per Share set forth in the Notice of Grant (the "Exercise
Price"), and subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, which is
incorporated herein by reference. Subject to Section 14(c) of the Plan, in the
event of a conflict between the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option
Agreement, the terms and conditions of the Plan shall prevail.

         If designated in the Notice of Grant as an Incentive Stock Option
("ISO"), this Option is intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option as
defined in Section 422 of the Code. Nevertheless, to the extent that it exceeds
the $100,000 rule of Code Section 422(d), this Option shall be treated as a
Nonstatutory Stock Option ("NSO").

         2. Exercise of Option.

         (a) Right to Exercise. This Option shall be exercisable during its term
in accordance with the Vesting Schedule set out in the Notice of Grant and with
the applicable provisions of the Plan and this Option Agreement.

         (b) Method of Exercise. This Option shall be exercisable by delivery of
an exercise notice in the form attached as EXHIBIT A (the "Exercise Notice")
which shall state the election to exercise the Option, the number of Shares with
respect to which the Option is being exercised, and such other representations
and agreements as may be required by the Company. The Exercise Notice shall be
accompanied by payment of the aggregate Exercise Price as to all Exercised
Shares. This Option shall be deemed to be exercised upon receipt by the Company
of such fully executed Exercise Notice accompanied by the aggregate Exercise
Price.

         No Shares shall be issued pursuant to the exercise of an Option unless
such issuance and such exercise complies with Applicable laws. Assuming such
compliance, for income tax purposes the Shares shall be considered transferred
to the Optionee on the date on which the Option is exercised with respect to
such Shares.

         3. Optionee's Representations. In the event the Shares have not been
registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, at the time this Option
is exercised, the Optionee shall, if required by the Company, concurrently with
the exercise of all or any portion of this Option, deliver to the Company his or
her Investment Representation Statement in the form attached hereto as EXHIBIT
B.


                                      -2-
<PAGE>   3

         4. Lock-Up Period. Optionee hereby agrees that, if so requested by the
Company or any representative of the underwriters (the "Managing Underwriter")
in connection with any registration of the offering of any securities of the
Company under the Securities Act, Optionee shall not sell or otherwise transfer
any Shares or other securities of the Company during the 180-day period (or such
other period as may be requested in writing by the Managing Underwriter and
agreed to in writing by the Company) (the "Market Standoff Period") following
the effective date of a registration statement of the Company filed under the
Securities Act. Such restriction shall apply only to the first registration
statement of the Company to become effective under the Securities Act that
includes securities to be sold on behalf of the Company to the public in an
underwritten public offering under the Securities Act. The Company may impose
stop-transfer instructions with respect to securities subject to the foregoing
restrictions until the end of such Market Standoff Period.

         5. Method of Payment. Payment of the aggregate Exercise Price shall be
by any of the following, or a combination thereof, at the election of the
Optionee:

         (a) cash or check;

         (b) consideration received by the Company under a formal cashless
exercise program adopted by the Company in connection with the Plan; or

         (c) surrender of other Shares which, (i) in the case of Shares acquired
upon exercise of an option, have been owned by the Optionee for more than six
(6) months on the date of surrender, and (ii) have a Fair Market Value on the
date of surrender equal to the aggregate Exercise Price of the Exercised Shares.

         6. Restrictions on Exercise. This Option may not be exercised until
such time as the Plan has been approved by the shareholders of the Company, or
if the issuance of such Shares upon such exercise or the method of payment of
consideration for such shares would constitute a violation of any Applicable
Law.

         7. Non-Transferability of Option. This Option may not be transferred in
any manner otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and
may be exercised during the lifetime of Optionee only by Optionee. The terms of
the Plan and this Option Agreement shall be binding upon the executors,
administrators, heirs, successors and assigns of the Optionee.

         8. Term of Option. This Option may be exercised only within the term
set out in the Notice of Grant, and may be exercised during such term only in
accordance with the Plan and the terms of this Option.

         9. Tax Consequences. Set forth below is a brief summary as of the date
of this Option of some of the federal tax consequences of exercise of this
Option and disposition of the Shares. THIS SUMMARY IS NECESSARILY INCOMPLETE,
AND THE TAX LAWS AND REGULATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. THE OPTIONEE SHOULD
CONSULT A TAX ADVISER BEFORE EXERCISING THIS OPTION OR DISPOSING OF THE SHARES.


                                      -3-
<PAGE>   4

         (a) Exercise of ISO. If this Option qualifies as an ISO, there will be
no regular federal income tax liability upon the exercise of the Option,
although the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value of the Shares on the date
of exercise over the Exercise Price will be treated as an adjustment to the
alternative minimum tax for federal tax purposes and may subject the Optionee to
the alternative minimum tax in the year of exercise.

         (b) Exercise of ISO Following Disability. If the Optionee ceases to be
an Employee as a result of a disability that is not a total and permanent
disability as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code, to the extent permitted
on the date of termination, the Optionee must exercise an ISO within three
months of such termination for the ISO to be qualified as an ISO.

         (c) Exercise of Nonstatutory Stock Option. There may be a regular
federal income tax liability upon the exercise of a Nonstatutory Stock Option.
The Optionee will be treated as having received compensation income (taxable at
ordinary income tax rates) equal to the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value
of the Shares on the date of exercise over the Exercise Price. If Optionee is an
Employee or a former Employee, the Company will be required to withhold from
Optionee's compensation or collect from Optionee and pay to the applicable
taxing authorities an amount in cash equal to a percentage of this compensation
income at the time of exercise, and may refuse to honor the exercise and refuse
to deliver Shares if such withholding amounts are not delivered at the time of
exercise.

         (d) Disposition of Shares. In the case of an NSO, if Shares are held
for at least one year, any gain realized on disposition of the Shares will be
treated as long-term capital gain for federal income tax purposes. In the case
of an ISO, if Shares transferred pursuant to the Option are held for at least
one year after exercise and of at least two years after the Date of Grant, any
gain realized on disposition of the Shares will also be treated as long-term
capital gain for federal income tax purposes. If Shares purchased under an ISO
are disposed of within one year after exercise or two years after the Date of
Grant, any gain realized on such disposition will be treated as compensation
income (taxable at ordinary income rates) to the extent of the difference
between the Exercise Price and the lesser of (1) the Fair Market Value of the
Shares on the date of exercise, or (2) the sale price of the Shares. Any
additional gain will be taxed as capital gain, short-term or long-term depending
on the period that the ISO Shares were held.

         (e) Notice of Disqualifying Disposition of ISO Shares. If the Option
granted to Optionee herein is an ISO, and if Optionee sells or otherwise
disposes of any of the Shares acquired pursuant to the ISO on or before the
later of (1) the date two years after the Date of Grant, or (2) the date one
year after the date of exercise, the Optionee shall immediately notify the
Company in writing of such disposition. Optionee agrees that Optionee may be
subject to income tax withholding by the Company on the compensation income
recognized by the Optionee.

         10. Lock-Up Period. Purchaser hereby agrees that if so requested by the
Company or any representative of the underwriters (the "Managing Underwriter")
in connection with any registration of the offering of any securities of the
Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"),
Purchaser shall not sell or otherwise transfer any Shares or other securities of
the


                                      -4-
<PAGE>   5

Company during the 180-day period (or such longer period as may be requested in
writing by the Managing Underwriter and agreed to in writing by the Company)
(the "Market Standoff Period") following the effective date of a registration
statement of the Company filed under the Securities Act; provided, however, that
such restriction shall apply only to the first registration statement of the
Company to become effective under the Securities Act that includes securities to
be sold on behalf of the Company to the public in an underwritten public
offering under the Securities Act. The Company may impose stop-transfer
instructions with respect to securities subject to the foregoing restrictions
until the end of such Market Standoff Period.

         11. Entire Agreement; Governing Law. The Plan is incorporated herein by
reference. The Plan and this Option Agreement constitute the entire agreement of
the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede in their
entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Optionee with
respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not be modified adversely to the
Optionee's interest except by means of a writing signed by the Company and
Optionee. This agreement is governed by the internal substantive laws but not
the choice of law rules of California.

         12. No Guarantee of Continued Service. OPTIONEE ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES
THAT THE VESTING OF SHARES PURSUANT TO THE VESTING SCHEDULE HEREOF IS EARNED
ONLY BY CONTINUING AS A SERVICE PROVIDER AT THE WILL OF THE COMPANY (NOT THROUGH
THE ACT OF BEING HIRED, BEING GRANTED THIS OPTION OR ACQUIRING SHARES
HEREUNDER). OPTIONEE FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THIS AGREEMENT, THE
TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREUNDER AND THE VESTING SCHEDULE SET FORTH HEREIN DO
NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED PROMISE OF CONTINUED ENGAGEMENT AS A
SERVICE PROVIDER FOR THE VESTING PERIOD, FOR ANY PERIOD, OR AT ALL, AND SHALL
NOT INTERFERE IN ANY WAY WITH OPTIONEE'S RIGHT OR THE COMPANY'S RIGHT TO
TERMINATE OPTIONEE'S RELATIONSHIP AS A SERVICE PROVIDER AT ANY TIME, WITH OR
WITHOUT CAUSE.

         Optionee acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan and represents that
he or she is familiar with the terms and provisions thereof, and hereby accepts
this Option subject to all of the terms and provisions thereof. Optionee has
reviewed the Plan and this Option in their entirety, has had an opportunity to
obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Option and fully
understands all provisions of the Option. Optionee hereby agrees to accept as
binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the
Administrator upon any questions arising under the Plan or this Option. Optionee
further agrees to notify the Company upon any change in the residence address
indicated below.

OPTIONEE:                                    AVANEX CORPORATION

Name:                                        By:
     ------------------------                   ------------------------


                                      -5-
<PAGE>   6

                                    EXHIBIT A

                               AVANEX CORPORATION

                                 1998 STOCK PLAN

                                 EXERCISE NOTICE

Avanex Corporation
40919 Encyclopedia Circle
Fremont, CA 94538

Attention:  Secretary

         1. Exercise of Option. Effective as of today, ________________
("Optionee") hereby elects to exercise Optionee's option to purchase
_____________ shares of the Common Stock (the "Shares") of Avanex Corporation
(the "Company") under and pursuant to the 1998 Stock Plan (the "Plan") and the
Stock Option Agreement granted December 10, 1999 (the "Option Agreement").

         2. Delivery of Payment. Purchaser herewith delivers to the Company the
full purchase price of the Shares, as set forth in the Option Agreement.

         3. Representations of Optionee. Optionee acknowledges that Optionee has
received, read and understood the Plan and the Option Agreement and agrees to
abide by and be bound by their terms and conditions.

         4. Rights as Shareholder. Until the issuance of the Shares (as
evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly
authorized transfer agent of the Company), no right to vote or receive dividends
or any other rights as a shareholder shall exist with respect to the Optioned
Stock, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The Shares shall be issued to
the Optionee as soon as practicable after the Option is exercised. No adjustment
shall be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior
to the date of issuance except as provided in Section 11 of the Plan.

         5. Company's Right of First Refusal. Before any Shares held by Optionee
or any transferee (either being sometimes referred to herein as the "Holder")
may be sold or otherwise transferred (including transfer by gift or operation of
law), the Company or its assignee(s) shall have a right of first refusal to
purchase the Shares on the terms and conditions set forth in this Section (the
"Right of First Refusal").

            (a) Notice of Proposed Transfer. The Holder of the Shares shall
deliver to the Company a written notice (the "Notice") stating: (i) the Holder's
bona fide intention to sell or otherwise transfer such Shares; (ii) the name of
each proposed purchaser or other transferee ("Proposed Transferee"); (iii) the
number of Shares to be transferred to each Proposed Transferee; and (iv) the
bona fide cash price or other consideration for which the Holder proposes to
transfer the


<PAGE>   7

Shares (the "Offered Price"), and the Holder shall offer the Shares
at the Offered Price to the Company or its assignee(s).

            (b) Exercise of Right of First Refusal. At any time within thirty
(30) days after receipt of the Notice, the Company and/or its assignee(s) may,
by giving written notice to the Holder, elect to purchase all, but not less than
all, of the Shares proposed to be transferred to any one or more of the Proposed
Transferees, at the purchase price determined in accordance with subsection (c)
below.

            (c) Purchase Price. The purchase price ("Purchase Price") for the
Shares purchased by the Company or its assignee(s) under this Section shall be
the Offered Price. If the Offered Price includes consideration other than cash,
the cash equivalent value of the non-cash consideration shall be determined by
the Board of Directors of the Company in good faith.

            (d) Payment. Payment of the Purchase Price shall be made, at the
option of the Company or its assignee(s), in cash (by check), by cancellation of
all or a portion of any outstanding indebtedness of the Holder to the Company
(or, in the case of repurchase by an assignee, to the assignee), or by any
combination thereof within thirty (30) days after receipt of the Notice or in
the manner and at the times set forth in the Notice.

            (e) Holder's Right to Transfer. If all of the Shares proposed in the
Notice to be transferred to a given Proposed Transferee are not purchased by the
Company and/or its assignee(s) as provided in this Section, then the Holder may
sell or otherwise transfer such Shares to that Proposed Transferee at the
Offered Price or at a higher price, provided that such sale or other transfer is
consummated within 120 days after the date of the Notice, that any such sale or
other transfer is effected in accordance with any applicable securities laws and
that the Proposed Transferee agrees in writing that the provisions of this
Section shall continue to apply to the Shares in the hands of such Proposed
Transferee. If the Shares described in the Notice are not transferred to the
Proposed Transferee within such period, a new Notice shall be given to the
Company, and the Company and/or its assignees shall again be offered the Right
of First Refusal before any Shares held by the Holder may be sold or otherwise
transferred.

            (f) Exception for Certain Family Transfers. Anything to the contrary
contained in this Section notwithstanding, the transfer of any or all of the
Shares during the Optionee's lifetime or on the Optionee's death by will or
intestacy to the Optionee's immediate family or a trust for the benefit of the
Optionee's immediate family shall be exempt from the provisions of this Section.
"Immediate Family" as used herein shall mean spouse, lineal descendant or
antecedent, father, mother, brother or sister. In such case, the transferee or
other recipient shall receive and hold the Shares so transferred subject to the
provisions of this Section, and there shall be no further transfer of such
Shares except in accordance with the terms of this Section.

            (g) Termination of Right of First Refusal. The Right of First
Refusal shall terminate as to any Shares upon the first sale of Common Stock of
the Company to the general


                                      -2-
<PAGE>   8

public pursuant to a registration statement filed with and declared effective by
the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended.

         6. Tax Consultation. Optionee understands that Optionee may suffer
adverse tax consequences as a result of Optionee's purchase or disposition of
the Shares. Optionee represents that Optionee has consulted with any tax
consultants Optionee deems advisable in connection with the purchase or
disposition of the Shares and that Optionee is not relying on the Company for
any tax advice.

         7. Restrictive Legends and Stop-Transfer Orders.

            (a) Legends. Optionee understands and agrees that the Company shall
cause the legends set forth below or legends substantially equivalent thereto,
to be placed upon any certificate(s) evidencing ownership of the Shares together
with any other legends that may be required by the Company or by state or
federal securities laws:

         THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE BEEN ACQUIRED FOR
         INVESTMENT AND HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF
         1933. THESE SHARES MAY NOT BE SOLD OR TRANSFERRED IN THE ABSENCE OF
         SUCH REGISTRATION OR AN EXEMPTION THEREFROM UNDER SAID ACT. COPIES OF
         THE AGREEMENT COVERING THE PURCHASE OF THESE SHARES AND RESTRICTING
         THEIR TRANSFER MAY BE OBTAINED AT NO COST BY WRITTEN REQUEST MADE BY
         THE HOLDER OF RECORD OF THIS CERTIFICATE TO THE SECRETARY OF THE
         CORPORATION AT THE PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES OF THE CORPORATION.

         THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE MAY BE TRANSFERRED ONLY IN
         ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND THE
         SHAREHOLDER, A COPY OF WHICH IS ON FILE WITH THE SECRETARY OF THE
         COMPANY.

            (b) Stop-Transfer Notices. Optionee agrees that, in order to ensure
compliance with the restrictions referred to herein, the Company may issue
appropriate "stop transfer" instructions to its transfer agent, if any, and
that, if the Company transfers its own securities, it may make appropriate
notations to the same effect in its own records.

            (c) Refusal to Transfer. The Company shall not be required (i) to
transfer on its books any Shares that have been sold or otherwise transferred in
violation of any of the provisions of this Agreement or (ii) to treat as owner
of such Shares or to accord the right to vote or pay dividends to any purchaser
or other transferee to whom such Shares shall have been so transferred.

         8. Successors and Assigns. The Company may assign any of its rights
under this Agreement to single or multiple assignees, and this Agreement shall
inure to the benefit of the


                                      -3-
<PAGE>   9

successors and assigns of the Company. Subject to the restrictions on transfer
herein set forth, this Agreement shall be binding upon Optionee and his or her
heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns.

         9. Interpretation. Any dispute regarding the interpretation of this
Agreement shall be submitted by Optionee or by the Company forthwith to the
Administrator which shall review such dispute at its next regular meeting. The
resolution of such a dispute by the Administrator shall be final and binding on
all parties.

         10. Lock-Up Period. Purchaser hereby agrees that if so requested by the
Company or any representative of the underwriters (the "Managing Underwriter")
in connection with any registration of the offering of any securities of the
Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"),
Purchaser shall not sell or otherwise transfer any Shares or other securities of
the Company during the 180-day period (or such longer period as may be requested
in writing by the Managing Underwriter and agreed to in writing by the Company)
(the "Market Standoff Period") following the effective date of a registration
statement of the Company filed under the Securities Act; provided, however, that
such restriction shall apply only to the first registration statement of the
Company to become effective under the Securities Act that includes securities to
be sold on behalf of the Company to the public in an underwritten public
offering under the Securities Act. The Company may impose stop-transfer
instructions with respect to securities subject to the foregoing restrictions
until the end of such Market Standoff Period.

         11. Governing Law; Severability. This Agreement is governed by the
internal substantive laws, but not the choice of law rules, of California.

         12. Entire Agreement. The Plan and Option Agreement are incorporated
herein by reference. This Agreement, the Plan, the Option Agreement and the
Investment Representation Statement constitute the entire agreement of the
parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede in their
entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Optionee with
respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not be modified adversely to the
Optionee's interest except by means of a writing signed by the Company and
Optionee.

Submitted by:                               Accepted by:

OPTIONEE:                                   AVANEX CORPORATION

-----------------------------------         By:
Name:                                          ---------------------------------
     ------------------------------         Title:
                                                  ------------------------------
Address:                                          40919 Encyclopedia Circle
                                                  Fremont, CA 94538

                                            ------------------------------------
                                            Date Received


                                      -4-
<PAGE>   10

                                    EXHIBIT B

                       INVESTMENT REPRESENTATION STATEMENT

OPTIONEE:
               --------------------------------
COMPANY:       AVANEX CORPORATION

SECURITY:      COMMON STOCK

AMOUNT:                         SHARES
               ----------------
DATE:
               ---------------------------------

In connection with the purchase of the above-listed Securities, the undersigned
Optionee represents to the Company the following:

         (a) Optionee is aware of the Company's business affairs and financial
condition and has acquired sufficient information about the Company to reach an
informed and knowledgeable decision to acquire the Securities. Optionee is
acquiring these Securities for investment for Optionee's own account only and
not with a view to, or for resale in connection with, any "distribution" thereof
within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities
Act").

         (b) Optionee acknowledges and understands that the Securities
constitute "restricted securities" under the Securities Act and have not been
registered under the Securities Act in reliance upon a specific exemption
therefrom, which exemption depends upon, among other things, the bona fide
nature of Optionee's investment intent as expressed herein. In this connection,
Optionee understands that, in the view of the Securities and Exchange
Commission, the statutory basis for such exemption may be unavailable if
Optionee's representation was predicated solely upon a present intention to hold
these Securities for the minimum capital gains period specified under tax
statutes, for a deferred sale, for or until an increase or decrease in the
market price of the Securities, or for a period of one year or any other fixed
period in the future. Optionee further understands that the Securities must be
held indefinitely unless they are subsequently registered under the Securities
Act or an exemption from such registration is available. Optionee further
acknowledges and understands that the Company is under no obligation to register
the Securities. Optionee understands that the certificate evidencing the
Securities will be imprinted with a legend which prohibits the transfer of the
Securities unless they are registered or such registration is not required in
the opinion of counsel satisfactory to the Company, a legend prohibiting their
transfer without the consent of the Commissioner of Corporations of the State of
California and any other legend required under applicable state securities laws.

         (c) Optionee is familiar with the provisions of Rule 701 and Rule 144,
each promulgated under the Securities Act, which, in substance, permit limited
public resale of "restricted securities" acquired, directly or indirectly from
the issuer thereof, in a non-public offering subject to the


<PAGE>   11

satisfaction of certain conditions. Rule 701 provides that if the issuer
qualifies under Rule 701 at the time of the grant of the Option to the Optionee,
the exercise will be exempt from registration under the Securities Act. In the
event the Company becomes subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or
15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, ninety (90) days thereafter (or
such longer period as any market stand-off agreement may require) the Securities
exempt under Rule 701 may be resold, subject to the satisfaction of certain of
the conditions specified by Rule 144, including: (1) the resale being made
through a broker in an unsolicited "broker's transaction" or in transactions
directly with a market maker (as said term is defined under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934); and, in the case of an affiliate, (2) the availability of
certain public information about the Company, (3) the amount of Securities being
sold during any three month period not exceeding the limitations specified in
Rule 144(e), and (4) the timely filing of a Form 144, if applicable.

         In the event that the Company does not qualify under Rule 701 at the
time of grant of the Option, then the Securities may be resold in certain
limited circumstances subject to the provisions of Rule 144, which requires the
resale to occur not less than two years after the later of the date the
Securities were sold by the Company or the date the Securities were sold by an
affiliate of the Company, within the meaning of Rule 144; and, in the case of
acquisition of the Securities by an affiliate, or by a non-affiliate who
subsequently holds the Securities less than three years, the satisfaction of the
conditions set forth in sections (1), (2), (3) and (4) of the paragraph
immediately above.

         (d) Optionee further understands that in the event all of the
applicable requirements of Rule 701 or 144 are not satisfied, registration under
the Securities Act, compliance with Regulation A, or some other registration
exemption will be required; and that, notwithstanding the fact that Rules 144
and 701 are not exclusive, the Staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission
has expressed its opinion that persons proposing to sell private placement
securities other than in a registered offering and otherwise than pursuant to
Rules 144 or 701 will have a substantial burden of proof in establishing that an
exemption from registration is available for such offers or sales, and that such
persons and their respective brokers who participate in such transactions do so
at their own risk. Optionee understands that no assurances can be given that any
such other registration exemption will be available in such event.

                                  Signature of Optionee:


                                  -------------------------------------------

                                  Date:
                                       --------------------------------------


                                      -2-
<PAGE>   12

                                   EXHIBIT C-1

                                 1998 STOCK PLAN
                       RESTRICTED STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT

         THIS AGREEMENT is made between ________________ (the "PURCHASER") and
Avanex Corporation, a California corporation (the "COMPANY") as of
________________, 2000.

                                    RECITALS

         (1) Pursuant to the exercise of the stock option granted to Purchaser
under the Company's 1998 Stock Plan and pursuant to the Stock Option Agreement
(the "OPTION AGREEMENT") dated December 10, 1999 by and between the Company and
Purchaser with respect to such grant, which Option Agreement is hereby
incorporated by reference, Purchaser has elected to purchase ____________ of
those shares which have not become vested under the vesting schedule set forth
in the Option Agreement ("UNVESTED SHARES"). The Unvested Shares and the shares
subject to the Option Agreement which have become vested are sometimes
collectively referred to herein as the "SHARES".

         (2) As required by the Option Agreement, as a condition to Purchaser's
election to exercise the option, Purchaser must execute this Restricted Stock
Purchase Agreement, which sets forth the rights and obligations of the parties
with respect to Shares acquired upon exercise of the Option.

         1. Repurchase Option.

            (a) If Purchaser's Continuous Status as a Service Provider is
terminated for any reason, including for cause, death, and disability, the
Company shall have the right and option to purchase from Purchaser, or
Purchaser's personal representative, as the case may be, all of the Purchaser's
Unvested Shares as of the date of such termination at the price paid by the
Purchaser for such Shares (the "REPURCHASE OPTION").

            (b) Upon the occurrence of such a termination, the Company may
exercise its Repurchase Option by delivering personally or by registered mail,
to Purchaser (or his transferee or legal representative, as the case may be),
within ninety (90) days of the termination, a notice in writing indicating the
Company's intention to exercise the Repurchase Option and setting forth a date
for closing not later than thirty (30) days from the mailing of such notice. The
closing shall take place at the Company's office. At the closing, the holder of
the certificates for the Unvested Shares being transferred shall deliver the
stock certificate or certificates evidencing the Unvested Shares, and the
Company shall deliver the purchase price therefor.

            (c) At its option, the Company may elect to make payment for the
Unvested Shares to a bank selected by the Company. The Company shall avail
itself of this option by a notice


<PAGE>   13
in writing to Purchaser stating the name and address of the bank, date of
closing, and waiving the closing at the Company's office.

            (d) If the Company does not elect to exercise the Repurchase Option
conferred above by giving the requisite notice within ninety (90) days following
the termination, the Repurchase Option shall terminate.

         2. Transferability of the Shares; Escrow.

            (a) Purchaser hereby authorizes and directs the secretary of the
Company, or such other person designated by the Company, to transfer the
Unvested Shares as to which the Repurchase Option has been exercised from
Purchaser to the Company.

            (b) To ensure the availability for delivery of Purchaser's Unvested
Shares upon repurchase by the Company pursuant to the Repurchase Option under
Section 1, Purchaser hereby appoints the secretary, or any other person
designated by the Company as escrow agent, as Purchaser's attorney-in-fact to
sell, assign and transfer unto the Company, such Unvested Shares, if any,
repurchased by the Company pursuant to the Repurchase Option and shall, upon
execution of this Agreement, deliver and deposit with the secretary of the
Company, or such other person designated by the Company, the share certificates
representing the Unvested Shares, together with the stock assignment duly
endorsed in blank, attached hereto as EXHIBIT C-2. The Unvested Shares and stock
assignment shall be held by the secretary in escrow, pursuant to the Joint
Escrow Instructions of the Company and Purchaser attached as EXHIBIT C-3 hereto,
until the Company exercises its purchase right as provided in Section 1, until
such Unvested Shares are vested, or until such time as this Agreement no longer
is in effect. Upon vesting of the Unvested Shares, the escrow agent shall
promptly deliver to the Purchaser the certificate or certificates representing
such Shares in the escrow agent's possession belonging to the Purchaser, and the
escrow agent shall be discharged of all further obligations hereunder; provided,
however, that the escrow agent shall nevertheless retain such certificate or
certificates as escrow agent if so required pursuant to other restrictions
imposed pursuant to this Agreement.

            (c) The Company, or its designee, shall not be liable for any act it
may do or omit to do with respect to holding the Shares in escrow and while
acting in good faith and in the exercise of its judgment.

            (d) Transfer or sale of the Shares is subject to restrictions on
transfer imposed by any applicable state and federal securities laws. Any
transferee shall hold such Shares subject to all the provisions hereof and the
Exercise Notice executed by the Purchaser with respect to any Unvested Shares
purchased by Purchaser and shall acknowledge the same by signing a copy of this
Agreement.

         3. Ownership, Voting Rights, Duties. This Agreement shall not affect in
any way the ownership, voting rights or other rights or duties of Purchaser,
except as specifically provided herein.


                                      -2-
<PAGE>   14

         4. Legends. The share certificate evidencing the Shares issued
hereunder shall be endorsed with the following legend (in addition to any legend
required under applicable state securities laws):

         THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN
RESTRICTIONS UPON TRANSFER AND RIGHTS OF REPURCHASE AS SET FORTH IN AN AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND THE SHAREHOLDER, A COPY OF WHICH IS ON FILE WITH THE
SECRETARY OF THE COMPANY.

         5. Adjustment for Stock Split. All references to the number of Shares
and the purchase price of the Shares in this Agreement shall be appropriately
adjusted to reflect any stock split, stock dividend or other change in the
Shares which may be made by the Company after the date of this Agreement.

         6. Notices. Notices required hereunder shall be given in person or by
registered mail to the address of Purchaser shown on the records of the Company,
and to the Company at their respective principal executive offices.

         7. Survival of Terms. This Agreement shall apply to and bind Purchaser
and the Company and their respective permitted assignees and transferees, heirs,
legatees, executors, administrators and legal successors.

         8. Section 83(b) Elections.

            (a) Election for Unvested Shares Purchased Pursuant to Nonqualified
Stock Options. Purchaser hereby acknowledges that he or she has been informed
that, with respect to the exercise of a nonqualified stock option for Unvested
Shares, that unless an election is filed by the Purchaser with the Internal
Revenue Service and, if necessary, the proper state taxing authorities, WITHIN
30 DAYS of the purchase of the Shares, electing pursuant to Section 83(b) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") to be taxed currently on
any difference between the purchase price of the Shares and their fair market
value on the date of purchase, there will be a recognition of taxable income to
the Purchaser, measured by the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the
Shares, at the time the Company's Repurchase Option lapses over the purchase
price for the Shares. Purchaser represents that Purchaser has consulted any tax
consultant(s) Purchaser deems advisable in connection with the purchase of the
Shares or the filing of the Election under Section 83(b). A form of Election
under Section 83(b) is attached hereto as EXHIBIT C-4 for reference.

            (b) Election for Unvested Shares Purchased Pursuant to Incentive
Stock Options. Purchaser hereby acknowledges that he or she has been informed
that, with respect to the exercise of an incentive stock option for Unvested
Shares, that unless an election is filed by the Purchaser with the Internal
Revenue Service WITHIN 30 DAYS of the purchase of the Shares, electing pursuant
to Section 83(b) of the Code to be taxed currently on any difference between the
purchase price of the Shares and their fair market value on the date of
purchase, there will be a recognition of income to the Purchaser, for
alternative minimum tax purposes, measured by the excess, if any, of the fair


                                      -3-
<PAGE>   15

market value of the Shares, at the time the Company's Repurchase Option lapses
over the purchase price for the Shares. Purchaser represents that Purchaser has
consulted any tax consultant(s) Purchaser deems advisable in connection with the
purchase of the Shares or the filing of the Election under Section 83(b) and
similar tax provisions.

         PURCHASER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT IS PURCHASER'S SOLE RESPONSIBILITY AND
NOT THE COMPANY'S TO FILE TIMELY THE ELECTION UNDER SECTION 83(b), EVEN IF
PURCHASER REQUESTS THE COMPANY OR ITS REPRESENTATIVE TO MAKE THIS FILING ON
PURCHASER'S BEHALF.

         9. Representations. Purchaser has reviewed with his own tax advisors
the federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of this investment and
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Purchaser is relying solely on
such advisors and not on any statements or representations of the Company or any
of its agents. Purchaser understands that he (and not the Company) shall be
responsible for his own tax liability that may arise as a result of this
investment or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

         10. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed
and enforced in accordance with California law.

         Purchaser represents that he has read this Agreement and is familiar
with its terms and provisions. Purchaser hereby agrees to accept as binding,
conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Board upon any
questions arising under this Agreement.


                                      -4-
<PAGE>   16

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement is deemed made as of the date first
set forth above.

                                   "COMPANY"

                                   AVANEX CORPORATION

                                   By:
                                      ------------------------------------
                                   Title:
                                         ---------------------------------

                                   "PURCHASER"

                                   ---------------------------------------

                                   ----------------

                                   Address:


                                      -5-
<PAGE>   17

                                   EXHIBIT C-2

                      ASSIGNMENT SEPARATE FROM CERTIFICATE

         FOR VALUE RECEIVED I, __________________________, hereby sell, assign
and transfer unto _______________________________________________ (__________)
shares of the Common Stock of Avanex Corporation standing in my name of the
books of said corporation represented by Certificate No. _____ herewith and do
hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint ________________ _________________ to
transfer the said stock on the books of the within named corporation with full
power of substitution in the premises.

         This Stock Assignment may be used only in accordance with the
Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement between________________________ and the
undersigned dated ______________________.

Dated:

                                        Signature:
                                                  ------------------------------













         INSTRUCTIONS: Please do not fill in any blanks other than the signature
line. The purpose of this assignment is to enable the Company to exercise its
"repurchase option," as set forth in the Agreement, without requiring additional
signatures on the part of the Purchaser.


<PAGE>   18



                                    EXHIBIT 3

                            JOINT ESCROW INSTRUCTIONS

                                                     _______________________

Avanex Corporation
Judith M. O'Brien
Corporate Secretary
c/o Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
    650 Page Mill Road
    Palo Alto, CA  94304-1050

Dear Corporate Secretary:

         As Escrow Agent for both Avanex Corporation (the "Company"), and the
undersigned purchaser of stock of the Company (the "Purchaser"), you are hereby
authorized and directed to hold the documents delivered to you pursuant to the
terms of that certain Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement ("Agreement") between
the Company and the undersigned, in accordance with the following instructions:

         1. In the event the Company and/or any assignee of the Company
(referred to collectively for convenience herein as the "Company") exercises the
Company's repurchase option set forth in the Agreement, the Company shall give
to Purchaser and you a written notice specifying the number of shares of stock
to be purchased, the purchase price, and the time for a closing hereunder at the
principal office of the Company. Purchaser and the Company hereby irrevocably
authorize and direct you to close the transaction contemplated by such notice in
accordance with the terms of said notice.

         2. At the closing, you are directed (a) to date the stock assignments
necessary for the transfer in question, (b) to fill in the number of shares
being transferred, and (c) to deliver same, together with the certificate
evidencing the shares of stock to be transferred, to the Company or its
assignee, against the simultaneous delivery to you of the purchase price (by
cash, a check, or some combination thereof) for the number of shares of stock
being purchased pursuant to the exercise of the Company's repurchase option.

         3. Purchaser irrevocably authorizes the Company to deposit with you any
certificates evidencing shares of stock to be held by you hereunder and any
additions and substitutions to said shares as defined in the Agreement.
Purchaser does hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint you as Purchaser's
attorney-in-fact and agent for the term of this escrow to execute with respect
to such securities all documents necessary or appropriate to make such
securities negotiable and to complete any transaction herein contemplated,
including but not limited to the filing with any applicable state blue sky
authority of any required applications for consent to, or notice of transfer of,
the securities.


<PAGE>   19

Subject to the provisions of this paragraph 3, Purchaser shall exercise all
rights and privileges of a shareholder of the Company while the stock is held by
you.

         4. Upon written request of the Purchaser, but no more than once per
calendar year, unless the Company's repurchase option has been exercised, you
will deliver to Purchaser a certificate or certificates representing so many
shares of stock as are not then subject to the Company's repurchase option.
Within 120 days after cessation of Purchaser's continuous employment by or
services to the Company, or any parent or subsidiary of the Company, you will
deliver to Purchaser a certificate or certificates representing the aggregate
number of shares held or issued pursuant to the Agreement and not purchased by
the Company or its assignees pursuant to exercise of the Company's repurchase
option.

         5. If at the time of termination of this escrow you should have in your
possession any documents, securities, or other property belonging to Purchaser,
you shall deliver all of the same to Purchaser and shall be discharged of all
further obligations hereunder.

         6. Your duties hereunder may be altered, amended, modified or revoked
only by a writing signed by all of the parties hereto.

         7. You shall be obligated only for the performance of such duties as
are specifically set forth herein and may rely and shall be protected in relying
or refraining from acting on any instrument reasonably believed by you to be
genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties. You
shall not be personally liable for any act you may do or omit to do hereunder as
Escrow Agent or as attorney-in-fact for Purchaser while acting in good faith,
and any act done or omitted by you pursuant to the advice of your own attorneys
shall be conclusive evidence of such good faith.

         8. You are hereby expressly authorized to disregard any and all
warnings given by any of the parties hereto or by any other person or
corporation, excepting only orders or process of courts of law and are hereby
expressly authorized to comply with and obey orders, judgments or decrees of any
court. In case you obey or comply with any such order, judgment or decree, you
shall not be liable to any of the parties hereto or to any other person, firm or
corporation by reason of such compliance, notwithstanding any such order,
judgment or decree being subsequently reversed, modified, annulled, set aside,
vacated or found to have been entered without jurisdiction.

         9. You shall not be liable in any respect on account of the identity,
authorities or rights of the parties executing or delivering or purporting to
execute or deliver the Agreement or any documents or papers deposited or called
for hereunder.

         10. You shall not be liable for the outlawing of any rights under the
Statute of Limitations with respect to these Joint Escrow Instructions or any
documents deposited with you.


                                      -2-
<PAGE>   20

         11. You shall be entitled to employ such legal counsel and other
experts as you may deem necessary properly to advise you in connection with your
obligations hereunder, may rely upon the advice of such counsel, and may pay
such counsel reasonable compensation therefor.

         12. Your responsibilities as Escrow Agent hereunder shall terminate if
you shall cease to be an officer or agent of the Company or if you shall resign
by written notice to each party. In the event of any such termination, the
Company shall appoint a successor Escrow Agent.

         13. If you reasonably require other or further instruments in
connection with these Joint Escrow Instructions or obligations in respect
hereto, the necessary parties hereto shall join in furnishing such instruments.

         14. It is understood and agreed that should any dispute arise with
respect to the delivery and/or ownership or right of possession of the
securities held by you hereunder, you are authorized and directed to retain in
your possession without liability to anyone all or any part of said securities
until such disputes shall have been settled either by mutual written agreement
of the parties concerned or by a final order, decree or judgment of a court of
competent jurisdiction after the time for appeal has expired and no appeal has
been perfected, but you shall be under no duty whatsoever to institute or defend
any such proceedings.

         15. Any notice required or permitted hereunder shall be given in
writing and shall be deemed effectively given upon personal delivery or upon
deposit in the United States Post Office, by registered or certified mail with
postage and fees prepaid, addressed to each of the other parties thereunto
entitled at the following addresses or at such other addresses as a party may
designate by ten days' advance written notice to each of the other parties
hereto.

                  COMPANY:                Avanex Corporation
                                          40919 Encyclopedia Circle
                                          Fremont, CA 94538

                  PURCHASER:              ________________
                                          ________________
                                          ________________

                  ESCROW AGENT:           Avanex Corporation
                                          Judith M. O'Brien
                                          Corporate Secretary
                                          c/o Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
                                              650 Page Mill Road
                                              Palo Alto, CA 94304-1050


                                       -3-
<PAGE>   21

         16. By signing these Joint Escrow Instructions, you become a party
hereto only for the purpose of said Joint Escrow Instructions; you do not become
a party to the Agreement.

         17. This instrument shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of
the parties hereto, and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

         18. These Joint Escrow Instructions shall be governed by, and construed
and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of California.

                                      AVANEX CORPORATION

                                      By:
                                         --------------------------------------
                                      Title:
                                            -----------------------------------

                                      PURCHASER:

                                      ------------------------------------------


                                      ESCROW AGENT:

                                      ------------------------------------------
                                      Judith M. O'Brien


                                       -4-
<PAGE>   22

                                   EXHIBIT C-4

                          ELECTION UNDER SECTION 83(b)
                      OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986

The undersigned taxpayer hereby elects, pursuant to the provisions of Sections
55-56 and 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, to include in
taxpayer's gross income or alternative minimum taxable income for the current
taxable year, as compensation taxable to taxpayer in connection with the
taxpayer's receipt of the property described below:

         NAME:                    TAXPAYER:    ________________          SPOUSE:

         ADDRESS:

         IDENTIFICATION NO.:      TAXPAYER:                              SPOUSE:

         TAXABLE YEAR:

2.       The property with respect to which the election is made is described as
         follows: ________ shares (the "Shares") of the Common Stock of Avanex
         Corporation (the "Company").

3.       The date on which the property was transferred is: ____________.

4.       The property is subject to the following restrictions:

         The Shares may not be transferred and are subject to forfeiture under
         the terms of an agreement between the taxpayer and the Company. These
         restrictions lapse upon the satisfaction of certain conditions
         contained in such agreement.

5.       The fair market value at the time of transfer, determined without
         regard to any restriction other than a restriction which by its terms
         will never lapse, of such property is: $_______________

6.       The amount paid for such property is: $_______________

The undersigned has submitted a copy of this statement to the person for whom
the services were performed in connection with the undersigned's receipt of the
above-described property. The transferee of such property is the person
performing the services in connection with the transfer of said property.

The undersigned understands that the foregoing election may not be revoked
except with the consent of the Commissioner.

Dated:                                  --------------------------------------
      --------------------              Taxpayer

The undersigned spouse of taxpayer joins in this election.

Dated:                                  --------------------------------------
      --------------------              Spouse of Taxpayer