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Exhibit 4.6    
  

 
 

EXECUTION VERSION    
  

 
 

SERIES A NOTE    
  

THE
SECURITY REPRESENTED BY THIS INSTRUMENT HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER ANY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAW. THIS SECURITY CANNOT BE SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED UNLESS IT IS REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S.
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR THE BORROWER IS FURNISHED WITH AN ACCEPTABLE OPINION OF COUNSEL THAT AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE. 

THIS
NOTE HAS NOT BEEN QUALIFIED BY THE FILING OF A PROSPECTUS UNDER APPLICABLE CANADIAN SECURITIES LAWS. BY ITS ACCEPTANCE OF THIS NOTE, THE HOLDER REPRESENTS THAT IT IS AN ACCREDITED INVESTOR, AS
SUCH TERM IS DEFINED IN ONTARIO SECURITIES COMMISSION RULE 45-501, AND AGREES THAT THIS NOTE IS NOT BEING ACQUIRED WITH A VIEW TO DISTRIBUTION. 

Series A
Senior Unsecured Note Due 2007 

	 
	 	 

	U.S$20,000,000.00	 	November 8, 2002

        Section 1.    General.    

        (a)  Bookham
Technology plc, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales (the "Borrower"), for
value received, hereby promises to pay, subject to the further provisions hereof, to Nortel Networks Optical Components Limited (the "Lender"), the
principal amount of TWENTY MILLION U.S. DOLLARS (U.S.$20,000,000.00), as such principal amount may be reduced by prepayments pursuant to Section 2 and Section 3 of this Note (as defined
below), on November 8, 2007 (such date, the "Maturity Date"), on presentation and surrender of this Note to the Borrower, in such coin or
currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment shall be legal tender therein for the payment of public and private debts. 

        (b)  The
Borrower further agrees to pay interest on the outstanding principal amount hereof from time to time from the date hereof at the Interest Rate (as defined below),
payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date (as defined below) and on the Maturity Date. Interest shall be calculated on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day
months. 

        Section 2.    Voluntary Prepayment.    

        This
Note shall be prepayable, at the option of the Borrower, in whole or in part, on one or more occasions, on not less than two (2) Business Days (as defined below) and not more
than twenty (20) days prior written notice to the Holder, at a price in cash equal to 100% of the outstanding principal amount to be prepaid, plus accrued and unpaid interest to such prepayment
date. 

        Section 3.    Mandatory Prepayment.    

        (a)  Within
one (1) Business Day after the consummation of any Qualified Financing (as defined below), the Borrower shall prepay in cash on a  pro rata basis by wire transfer of immediately available funds the
outstanding obligations under the Series A Notes in an amount equal to the Net
Proceeds (as defined below) of such Qualified Financing to the extent such Net Proceeds constitute all or part of the Threshold Net Proceeds (as defined below). 

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        (b)  Within
one (1) Business Day after the consummation of any sale, transfer or other disposition by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to any unaffiliated third
Person of any of the Collateral, the Borrower shall prepay on a pro rata basis by wire transfer of immediately available funds the outstanding obligations under the Series A Notes in an amount
equal to the Net Proceeds of such sale, transfer or other disposition to the extent (i) such Net Proceeds constitute all or part of the Excess Asset Sale Proceeds (as defined below) and
(ii) such amount is not required to be applied to prepay the Series B Notes; provided that the Borrower shall be entitled to delay any
such prepayment until the aggregate amount of all such delayed prepayments exceeds U.S.$250,000, at which time any such delayed prepayments shall be made. 

        (c)  Within
one (1) Business Day after a Change of Control (as defined below) of the Borrower, the Borrower shall prepay the Series A Notes in full at a price
in cash equal to 100% of the outstanding principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to such prepayment date. 

        Section 4.    Replacement of Note.    

        At
the request of the Holder (as defined below) upon receipt by the Borrower of evidence satisfactory to it of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of this Note and, in case of
loss, theft or destruction, of indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it, or, in the case of mutilation, upon surrender and cancellation of this Note, and in all cases upon reimbursement to the Borrower
of all reasonable expenses incidental thereto, the Borrower and the Guarantors shall make and deliver to the Holder a replacement Note of like tenor in lieu of this Note. 

        Section 5.    Amendments, Modifications and Waivers.    

        No
covenant, agreement or condition contained in this Note may be amended or modified and no right hereunder may be waived (either generally or in a particular instance and either
retroactively or prospectively) other than by a written instrument or agreement executed by the Holder and the Borrower. Any such amendment, modification or waiver shall be binding upon each present
and future holder of this Note and upon the Borrower. Upon the request of the Borrower, the Holder shall submit this Note to the Borrower so that this Note be marked to indicate such amendment,
modification or waiver, and any Note issued thereafter shall bear a similar notation referring to any such amendment, modification or continuing waiver. 

        Section 6.    Existence; Conduct of Business.    

        Each
of the Borrower and the Guarantors shall do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect its legal existence and the rights,
contracts, licenses, permits, privileges, franchises, patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade names that are, in the Borrower's reasonable judgment, material to the conduct of its business. 

        Section 7.    Guarantees.    

        (a)  Each
Guarantor hereby jointly and severally unconditionally guarantees, as a primary obligor and not merely as a surety, to the Holder the full and punctual payment when
due, whether at the Maturity Date, by acceleration, by prepayment or otherwise, of all obligations of the Borrower under this Note, whether for payment of principal or interest (including interest
accruing during the pendency of any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other similar proceeding, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in such proceeding) in respect of the Note and all
other monetary obligations of the Borrower under this Note, whether for fees, expenses, indemnification or otherwise (all the foregoing being hereinafter collectively called the
"Guaranteed Obligations"). Each Guarantor further agrees that the Guaranteed Obligations may be extended or renewed, in whole or in part, pursuant to
the terms of Section 5, without notice to or further assent from each such Guarantor, and that each such Guarantor shall remain bound under this Section 7 notwithstanding any extension
or renewal of any Guaranteed Obligation. 

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        (b)  Each
Guarantor waives presentation to, demand of payment from and protest to the Borrower of any of the Guaranteed Obligations and also waives notice of acceptance of
its guarantee and notice of protest for nonpayment. Each Guarantor waives notice of any default under this Note. The obligations of each Guarantor hereunder shall not be affected by (i) the
failure of the Holder to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any right or remedy against the Borrower or any other Person (as defined below) under this Note or any other agreement or otherwise;
(ii) any extension of the repayment terms of the Guaranteed Obligations; (iii) any rescission, waiver, amendment or modification of any of the terms or provisions of this Note or any
other agreement; (iv) the failure to perfect any security interest in, or the release of, any security held by the Holder for the Guaranteed Obligations or any of them; or (v) the
failure of the Holder to exercise any right or remedy against any other Guarantor. In the event that there is a Change in Control with respect to any Guarantor, all obligations of such Guarantor
hereunder shall be relieved in full and such Guarantor shall cease to be subject to any obligation hereunder or to be deemed a "Guarantor" upon the effectiveness of such Change in Control. 

        (c)  Each
Guarantor hereby waives any right to which it may be entitled to have its obligations hereunder divided among the Guarantors, such that such Guarantor's obligations
would be less than the full amount claimed. Each Guarantor hereby waives any right to which it may be entitled to have the assets of the Borrower first be used and depleted as payment of the
Borrower's or such Guarantor's obligations hereunder prior to any amounts being claimed from or paid by such Guarantor hereunder. Each Guarantor hereby waives any right to which it may be entitled to
require that the Borrower be sued prior to an action being initiated against such Guarantor. 

        (d)  Each
Guarantor further agrees that its guarantee herein constitutes a guarantee of payment when due (and not a guarantee of collection) and waives any right to require
that any resort be had by the Holder to any security held for payment of the Guaranteed Obligations. 

        (e)  The
obligations of each Guarantor hereunder shall not be subject to any reduction, limitation, impairment or termination for any reason (other than payment of the
Guaranteed Obligations in full), including any claim of waiver, release, surrender, alteration or compromise of any Guaranteed Obligation, and shall not be subject to any defense of setoff,
counterclaim, recoupment or termination whatsoever or by reason of the invalidity, illegality or unenforceability of the Guaranteed Obligations or otherwise. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, the obligations of each Guarantor herein shall not be discharged or impaired or otherwise affected by the failure of the Holder to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any remedy under
this Note or any other agreement, by any waiver or modification of any provision thereof by any default, failure or delay, willful or otherwise, in the performance of the Guaranteed Obligations, or by
any other act or omission or delay to do any other act that may or might in any manner or to any extent vary the risk of any Guarantor or that would otherwise operate as a discharge of any Guarantor
as a matter of law or equity. 

        (f)    Each
Guarantor agrees that its guarantee shall remain in full force and effect until payment in full of all the Guaranteed Obligations. Each Guarantor further agrees
that its guarantee herein shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time payment, or any part thereof, of principal of or interest on any Guaranteed Obligation is
rescinded or must otherwise be restored by the Holder upon the bankruptcy or reorganization of the Borrower or otherwise. 

        (g)  In
furtherance of the foregoing and not in limitation of any other right which the Holder has at law or in equity against any Guarantor by virtue hereof, upon the
failure of the Borrower to pay the Guaranteed Obligation when and as the same shall become due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, by prepayment or otherwise, each Guarantor hereby promises to and
shall, upon receipt of written demand by the Holder, forthwith pay, or cause to be paid, in cash, to the Holder an amount equal to the sum of (i) the unpaid amount of such Guaranteed
Obligations and (ii) accrued and unpaid interest on such Guaranteed Obligations then due and owing (but only to the extent not prohibited by law). 

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        (h)  Each
Guarantor agrees that it shall not be entitled to any right of subrogation in relation to the Holder in respect of any Guaranteed Obligations guaranteed hereby
until payment in full of all Guaranteed Obligations. Each Guarantor further agrees that, as between it and the Holder, (i) the maturity of the Guaranteed Obligations guaranteed hereby may be
accelerated as provided in Section 8 for the purposes of any guarantee herein, notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such acceleration in respect of the
Guaranteed Obligations guaranteed hereby, and (ii) in the event of any declaration of acceleration of such Guaranteed Obligations as provided in Section 9, such Guaranteed Obligations
(whether or not due and payable) shall forthwith become due and payable by such Guarantor for the purposes of this Section 7. 

        (i)    Each
Guarantor also agrees to pay any and all costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses) incurred by the Holder in enforcing any rights under
this Section 7. 

        (j)    The
Borrower shall cause each Subsidiary that (i) has not executed and delivered this Note "as Guarantor" and (ii) is or becomes a Principal Borrower
Subsidiary to execute and deliver such instruments and do such acts as may be necessary for such Principal Borrower Subsidiary to become a Guarantor under this Section 7. 

        (k)  Upon
request of the Holder, each Guarantor shall execute and deliver such further instruments and do such further acts as may be reasonably necessary or proper to carry
out more effectively the purpose of this Note. 

        (l)    In
the case of any payments made by a Guarantor pursuant to this Section 7, the following shall apply: 

        (i)    All
such payments shall be made to the Holder without withholding or deduction for, or on account of, Taxes (other than those withholdings or deductions to which
payments by the Borrower are subject). In the event any withholding or deduction for Taxes is required by law or by the interpretation or administration thereof by the relevant governmental authority,
such Guarantor shall pay such additional amounts as may be necessary in order that the net amounts received by the Holder after such withholding or deduction may not be less than the net amount that
would have been received by the Holder from the Borrower. 

        (ii)  If
the Holder is entitled to claim an exemption from, or a reduction of, any withholding or deduction for or on account of Taxes under any applicable law or treaty, the
Holder hereby covenants and agrees that it will take all reasonably necessary steps to secure the benefit of such exemption or reduction. Further, if the Holder is entitled to claim a refund of any
withholding or deduction of or on account of Taxes under any applicable law or treaty, the Holder hereby covenants and agrees that it will take all reasonably necessary steps to secure such refund,
and (to the extent that such Guarantor has made a payment of an additional amount pursuant to this Section 7(l)) account for such refund to such Guarantor. 

        (iii)  If
(and for so long as) the Holder fails to satisfy its obligations under clause (ii) of this Section 7(l), such Guarantor shall not be required to make
any payments under this Section 7 to the extent that such payments could have been avoided if the Holder had complied with its obligations under clause (ii) of this Section 7(l).
For example (and solely for purposes of illustration), if payments by such Guarantor are subject to a withholding tax of 15%, but under the applicable tax treaty the Holder is entitled to claim a
reduction of withholding tax from 15% to 10%, then, if the Holder fails to comply with its obligations under clause (ii) of this Section 7(l), such Guarantor shall be obligated to make
payments under clause (i) of this Section 7(l) on the reduced 10% withholding tax and shall have no obligation under clause (i) of this Section 7(l) with respect to the 5%
withholding tax that could have been avoided if the Holder had complied with its obligations under clause (ii) of this Section 7(l). 

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        Section 8.    Events of Default.    

        (a)  An
"Event of Default" occurs if: 

        (i)    any
default shall be made in the payment of the principal of or cash interest on the Series A Notes, when and as the same shall become due and payable, whether at
the due date thereof, upon acceleration thereof or otherwise; 

        (ii)  any
event or condition occurs that results in any Material Indebtedness becoming due prior to its scheduled maturity; provided  that this clause (ii) shall not apply in the case of (A) voluntary or
mandatory prepayments under the Series A Notes or the Series B Notes that are
paid in full when due or (B) any secured Indebtedness that becomes due as a result of the voluntary sale or transfer of the property or assets securing such Indebtedness; 

        (iii)  an
Event of Default (as defined in the Series B Notes) occurs with respect to the Series B Notes; 

        (iv)  the
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries defaults in any material respect in its obligations hereunder (other than any obligations for the payment of principal or
interest) or in any of the Security Agreements; provided that such default shall not have been cured within twenty (20) Business Days after
written notice of such default; 

        (v)  the
Borrower becomes subject to a Bankruptcy Event; 

        (vi)  (A)
except as permitted by this Note, any of the Security Agreements or other documents delivered pursuant thereto shall be held in any judicial proceeding to be
unenforceable or invalid, or shall cease for any reason to be in full force and effect and such default continues for twenty (20) Business Days after written notice, or (B) the Borrower
or any Guarantor, or anyone acting on behalf of the Borrower or any Guarantor, shall deny or disaffirm its obligations under any of the Security Agreements or other documents delivered pursuant
thereto. 

        (b)  If
an Event of Default occurs, then the Holder of this Note may, by written notice to the Borrower, declare this Note to be forthwith due and payable, whereupon this
Note shall become forthwith due and payable, both as to principal and interest, without presentment, demand, protest, or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived. 

        Section 9.    Notices of Material Events.    

        (a)  The
Borrower shall furnish the Holder written notice of the occurrence of any Event of Default or any development or circumstance that has, or could reasonably be
expected to have, a Borrower Material Adverse Effect (as defined below) promptly upon the Borrower's obtaining knowledge thereof. 

        (b)  Each
notice delivered under this Section 9 shall be accompanied by a statement of an executive officer of the Borrower setting forth the details of the event,
development or circumstance requiring such notice and any action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto. 

        Section 10.    Extension of Maturity.    

        Should
the principal of and interest on this Note become due and payable on other than a Business Day, the maturity hereof shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day, and
interest shall be payable at the rate per annum herein specified during such extension. 

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        Section 11.    Successors and Assigns.    

        The
provisions of this Note shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Borrower and the Guarantors and their respective successors and permitted assigns and the Holder of this
Note and its successors and assigns. None of the obligations of the Borrower or any Guarantor hereunder may be assigned without the prior written consent of the Holder. 

        Section 12.    No Waiver.    

        Neither
a failure nor a delay on the part of the Holder in exercising any right, power or privilege under this Note shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall a single or partial
exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise of any right, power or privilege. The rights, remedies and benefits of the Holder herein expressly specified are cumulative and not exclusive of
any other rights remedies or benefits which either may have under this Note at law, in equity, by statute or otherwise. 

        Section 13.    Governing Law.    

        THIS
NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. This Note was negotiated and executed in the State and County of New York. All
actions, suits and proceedings arising out of relating to this Note shall be heard and determined exclusively in a New York state or federal court sitting in the County of New York, and the Holder,
the Borrower and the Guarantors hereby irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts in any such action or proceeding and irrevocably agree to the laying of venue in such courts and
waive the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of any such action, suit or proceeding. 

        Section 14.    Titles and Subtitles.    

        The
titles and subtitles used in this Note are used for convenience only and are not to be considered in construing or interpreting this Note. 

        Section 15.    Definitions. As used in this Note, unless otherwise specified, the following terms have the meanings
specified below:    

        "Acquisition Agreement" means the Acquisition Agreement between Nortel Networks Corporation and the Borrower dated as of October 7,
2002 (as amended through the date hereof). 

        "Bankruptcy Event" has the meaning set forth in the Acquisition Agreement. 

        "Borrower" has the meaning set forth in Section 1(a). 

        "Borrower Material Adverse Effect" means any long-term or short-term effect that is or is reasonably likely to be
materially adverse to (i) the business, results of operations, assets, liabilities or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or
(ii) the ability of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries to perform their respective obligations under the Security Documents and the Supply Agreement between the Borrower and Nortel Networks
Corporation dated as of the date hereof, but in each case shall not include any effect arising out of or resulting from (A) a change in general economic or financial conditions
(provided that such changes do not affect the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, in a materially disproportionate manner in comparison to
other companies engaged in the same industry) or (B) a change, condition or circumstance in the industry in which the Borrower and its Subsidiaries operate (provided  that such changes do not affect
the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, in a materially disproportionate manner in comparison to other companies engaged in the
same industry); provided, however, that (1) any decrease in the market price or trading volume of
the Borrower's securities or any shareholder litigation resulting therefrom shall not, in and of itself, constitute a Borrower Material Adverse Effect and (2) the failure of the Borrower to
achieve internal or external financial forecasts or projections shall not, in and of itself, constitute a Borrower Material Adverse Effect. 

7

 

        "Business Day" means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which banks are required or authorized by law to be closed in
New York, New York; London, England or Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 

        "Change of Control" has the meaning set forth in the Acquisition Agreement. 

        "Collateral" has the meaning set forth in the U.S. Security Agreement. 

        "Control" or "Controlled" means, as to any Person, the power to direct or cause the
direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise. 

        "Equity Interest" of any Person means any and all common stock, preferred stock and any other class of capital stock of, and any
partnership or limited liability company interests in, such Person or any other similar interests in such Person if such Person is not a corporation, partnership or limited liability company and
includes any interest that is convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any Equity Interest and any other right to acquire any Equity Interest. 

        "Excess Asset Sale Proceeds" means the Net Proceeds of all sales, transfers and other dispositions of Collateral consummated to the extent
the aggregate of all such Net Proceeds exceeds $30,000,000. 

        "Event of Default" has the meaning set forth in Section 8(a). 

        "Guaranteed Obligations" has the meaning set forth in Section 7. 

        "Guarantors" means (i) subject to the last sentence of Section 7(b), those Subsidiaries of the Borrower that have executed
and delivered this Note on the date hereof "as Guarantor" and (ii) such other Affiliates of the Borrower that have guaranteed the Series A Notes pursuant to Section 7(j). 

        "Highest Lawful Rate" means the maximum non-usurious rate of interest, as in effect from time to time, which may be charged,
contracted for, reserved, received or collected by the Holder in connection with this Note under applicable law. 

        "Holder" means the Person named as the Lender or such Person's permitted transferee or assign. 

        "Indebtedness" means any obligation in respect of (i) borrowed money, (ii) capitalized lease obligations,
(iii) obligations under interest rate agreements and currency agreements, (iv) guarantees of any obligation of any third Person, (v) letters of credit and (vi) indemnities
or performance bonds. 

        "Interest Payment Date" means each February 8, May 8, August 8 and November 8 beginning on February 8,
2003. 

        "Interest Rate" means 4.00% per annum; provided that anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, if during any period for which
interest is computed hereunder, the amount of interest computed on the basis provided for in this Note, together with all fees, charges and other payments that are treated as interest under applicable
law, as provided for herein or in any other document executed in connection herewith, would exceed the amount of such interest computed on the basis of the Highest Lawful Rate, neither the Borrower
nor any Guarantor shall be obligated to pay, and the Holder shall not be entitled to charge, collect, receive, reserve or take, interest in excess of the Highest Lawful Rate, and during any such
period the interest payable hereunder shall be computed on the basis of the Highest Lawful Rate. 

        "Lender" has the meaning set forth in Section 1(a). 

        "Material Indebtedness" means any Indebtedness of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries having an outstanding principal amount of at
least U.S.$5,000,000, individually or in the aggregate, whether such Indebtedness now exists or shall hereafter be created. 

        "Maturity Date" has the meaning set forth in Section 1(a). 

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        "Net Proceeds" means, with respect to the sale, transfer or other disposition of any asset, the issuance of any security or any financing,
the aggregate amount of cash proceeds (including any other consideration that is converted into cash) therefrom, in each case net of any customary attorneys' fees, accountants' fees, underwriters' or
placement agents' fees, discounts or commissions and brokerage and consultant fees actually incurred in connection, and contemporaneously, therewith. 

        "Note" means this Note and any replacement Note executed and delivered by the Borrower and the Guarantors pursuant to Section 4
hereof. 

        "Person" means any natural person, general or limited partnership, corporation, limited liability company, firm, association or other
legal entity. 

        "Principal Borrower Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary of the Borrower the assets of which have an aggregate fair market value equal to or
greater than $1,000,000. 

        "Qualified Financing" means any issuance by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries of any Equity Interests and any Indebtedness incurred
by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries that is convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any Equity Interests. 

        "Security Agreements" has the meaning set forth in the Acquisition Agreement. 

        "Series A Notes" means the Series A Notes due 2007 of the Borrower with an original aggregate principal amount of
U.S.$20,000,000. 

        "Series B Notes" means the Series B Notes due 2005 of the Borrower with an original aggregate principal amount of
U.S.$30,000,000. 

        "Subsidiary" of any Person means any corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, trust or estate of which (or in
which) more than 50% of (a) the issued and outstanding capital stock (or other Equity Interest) having ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors (or similar governing
body) of such entity or (b) the interest in the capital or profits of such entity is at the time directly or indirectly owned or Controlled by such Person, by such Person and one or more of its
other Subsidiaries or by one or more of such Person's other Subsidiaries. 

        "Taxes" has the meaning set forth in the Acquisition Agreement. 

        "Threshold Net Proceeds" means the excess over $100,000,000 of Net Proceeds of all Qualified Financings consummated after the date hereof. 

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        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the Borrower and the Guarantors has duly executed and delivered this Note as of the date first written above. 

	 	 	BOOKHAM TECHNOLOGY PLC, as Borrower
	

 	
 	

By:	

/s/  PHILIP DAVIS      
 Philip Davis
 Company Secretary
	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 
	 	 	BOOKHAM TECHNOLOGY, INC., as Guarantor
	

 	
 	

By:	

/s/  PHILIP DAVIS      
 Philip Davis
	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 
	 	 	BOOKHAM ACQUISITION INC., as Guarantor
	

 	
 	

By:	

/s/  PHILIP DAVIS      
 Philip Davis
	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 
	 	 	BOOKHAM (SWITZERLAND) AG, as Guarantor
	

 	
 	

By:	

/s/  PHILIP DAVIS      
 Philip Davis

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Exhibit 4.6

EXECUTION VERSION

SERIES A NOTEQuickLinks
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Exhibit 4.7    
  

 
 

EXECUTION VERSION    
  

 
 

SERIES B NOTE    
  

THE
SECURITY REPRESENTED BY THIS INSTRUMENT HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER ANY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAW. THIS SECURITY CANNOT BE SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED UNLESS IT IS REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S.
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR THE BORROWER IS FURNISHED WITH AN ACCEPTABLE OPINION OF COUNSEL THAT AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE. 

THIS
NOTE HAS NOT BEEN QUALIFIED BY THE FILING OF A PROSPECTUS UNDER APPLICABLE CANADIAN SECURITIES LAWS. BY ITS ACCEPTANCE OF THIS NOTE, THE HOLDER REPRESENTS THAT IT IS AN ACCREDITED INVESTOR, AS
SUCH TERM IS DEFINED IN ONTARIO SECURITIES COMMISSION RULE 45-501, AND AGREES THAT THIS NOTE IS NOT BEING ACQUIRED WITH A VIEW TO DISTRIBUTION. 

Series B
Senior Secured Note Due 2005 

	 
	 	 

	U.S$30,000,000.00	 	November 8, 2002

        Section 1.    General.    

        (a)  Bookham
Technology plc, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales (the "Borrower"), for
value received, hereby promises to pay, subject to the further provisions hereof, to Nortel Networks Optical Components Limited (the "Lender"), the
principal amount of THIRTY MILLION U.S. DOLLARS (U.S.$30,000,000.00), as such principal amount may be reduced by prepayments pursuant to Section 3 and Section 4 of this Note (as defined
below), on November 8, 2005 (such date, the "Maturity Date"), on presentation and surrender of this Note to the Borrower, in such coin or
currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment shall be legal tender therein for the payment of public and private debts. 

        (b)  The
Borrower further agrees to pay interest on the outstanding principal amount hereof from time to time from the date hereof at the Interest Rate (as defined below),
payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date (as defined below) and on the Maturity Date. Interest shall be calculated on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day
months. 

        (c)  Nortel
Networks Corporation shall act on behalf of and as agent for all present and future Holders (as defined below) and shall exclusively exercise or enforce any and
all rights, powers, privileges and remedies hereunder. If the Holder is not Nortel Networks Corporation, the Borrower and the Guarantors shall satisfy any requirement hereunder to deliver to the
Holder any notice or payment by delivering such notice or payment to Nortel Networks Corporation rather than the Holder. 

        Section 2.    Security Interest, Retention of Title and Limitation on Liens.    

        (a)  As
security for the Indebtedness (as defined below), and as security for the agreements and other obligations of the Borrower and the Guarantors (as defined below)
hereunder and in order to secure the full and punctual payment of their respective obligations hereunder in accordance with the terms set forth herein, (i) the Borrower has pledged, and has
caused certain of its Subsidiaries to pledge, the Collateral (as defined below) pursuant to the Security Agreements and the documents delivered pursuant thereto, and (ii) the Seller and its
Subsidiaries have retained title to certain of the Assets (as defined in the Acquisition Agreement) pursuant to the Bill of Sale (as defined in the Acquisition Agreement). 

2

 

        (b)  None
of the Borrower and the Guarantors shall (and none of them shall permit any of its Subsidiaries to) create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Lien on any of the
Collateral, except for Permitted Liens. 

        Section 3.    Voluntary Prepayment.    

        This
Note shall be prepayable, at the option of the Borrower, in whole or in part, on one or more occasions, on not less than two (2) Business Days (as defined below) and not more
than twenty (20) days prior written notice to the Holder, at a price in cash equal to 100% of the outstanding principal amount to be prepaid, plus accrued and unpaid interest to such prepayment
date. 

        Section 4.    Mandatory Prepayment.    

        (a)  Within
one (1) Business Day after the consummation of any Qualified Financing (as defined below), the Borrower shall prepay in cash on a  pro rata basis by wire transfer of immediately available funds the
outstanding obligations under the Series B Notes in an amount equal to 20% of
the Net Proceeds (as defined below) of such Qualified Financing to the extent such Net Proceeds constitute all or part of the Initial Net Proceeds (as defined below). 

        (b)  Within
one (1) Business Day after the consummation of any Qualified Financing, the Borrower shall prepay in cash on a pro
rata basis by wire transfer of immediately available funds the outstanding obligations under the Series B Notes in an amount equal to 40% of the Net Proceeds of such
Qualified Financing to the extent such Net Proceeds constitute all or part of the Subsequent Net Proceeds (as defined below). 

        (c)  Within
one (1) Business Day after the consummation of any sale, transfer or other disposition by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to any unaffiliated third
Person of any of the Collateral, the Borrower shall prepay on a pro rata basis by wire transfer of immediately available funds the outstanding obligations under the Series B Notes in an amount
equal to the Net Proceeds of such sale, transfer or other disposition to the extent such Net Proceeds constitute all or part of the Excess Asset Sale Proceeds (as defined below);  provided that the
Borrower shall be entitled to delay any such prepayment until the aggregate amount of all such delayed prepayments exceeds
U.S.$250,000, at which time any such delayed prepayments shall be made. 

        (d)  Within
one (1) Business Day after a Change of Control (as defined below) of the Borrower, the Borrower shall prepay the Series B Notes in full at a price
in cash equal to 100% of the outstanding principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to such prepayment date. 

        Section 5.    Replacement of Note.    

        At
the request of the Holder upon receipt by the Borrower of evidence satisfactory to it of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of this Note and, in case of loss, theft or
destruction, of indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it, or, in the case of mutilation, upon surrender and cancellation of this Note, and in all cases upon reimbursement to the Borrower of all
reasonable expenses incidental thereto, the Borrower and the Guarantors shall make and deliver to the Holder a replacement Note of like tenor in lieu of this Note. 

3

 

        Section 6.    Amendments, Modifications and Waivers.    

        No
covenant, agreement or condition contained in this Note may be amended or modified and no right hereunder may be waived (either generally or in a particular instance and either
retroactively or prospectively) other than by a written instrument or agreement executed by the Holder and the Borrower. Any such amendment, modification or waiver shall be binding upon each present
and future holder of this Note and upon the Borrower. Upon the request of the Borrower, the Holder shall submit this Note to the Borrower so that this Note be marked to indicate such amendment,
modification or waiver, and any Note issued thereafter shall bear a similar notation referring to any such amendment, modification or continuing waiver. 

        Section 7.    Existence; Conduct of Business.    

        Each
of the Borrower and the Guarantors shall do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect its legal existence and the rights,
contracts, licenses, permits, privileges, franchises, patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade names that are, in the Borrower's reasonable judgment, material to the conduct of its business. 

        Section 8.    Guarantees.    

        (a)  Each
Guarantor hereby jointly and severally unconditionally guarantees, as a primary obligor and not merely as a surety, to the Holder the full and punctual payment when
due, whether at the Maturity Date, by acceleration, by prepayment or otherwise, of all obligations of the Borrower under this Note, whether for payment of principal or interest (including interest
accruing during the pendency of any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other similar proceeding, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in such proceeding) in respect of the Note and all
other monetary obligations of the Borrower under this Note, whether for fees, expenses, indemnification or otherwise (all the foregoing being hereinafter collectively called the
"Guaranteed Obligations"). Each Guarantor further agrees that the Guaranteed Obligations may be extended or renewed, in whole or in part, pursuant to
the terms of Section 5, without notice to or further assent from each such Guarantor, and that each such Guarantor shall remain bound under this Section 8 notwithstanding any extension
or renewal of any Guaranteed Obligation. 

        (b)  Each
Guarantor waives presentation to, demand of payment from and protest to the Borrower of any of the Guaranteed Obligations and also waives notice of acceptance of
its guarantee and notice of protest for nonpayment. Each Guarantor waives notice of any default under this Note. The obligations of each Guarantor hereunder shall not be affected by (i) the
failure of the Holder to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any right or remedy against the Borrower or any other Person (as defined below) under this Note or any other agreement or otherwise;
(ii) any extension of the repayment terms of the Guaranteed Obligations; (iii) any rescission, waiver, amendment or modification of any of the terms or provisions of this Note or any
other agreement; (iv) the failure to perfect any security interest in, or the release of, any security held by the Holder for the Guaranteed Obligations or any of them; or (v) the
failure of the Holder to exercise any right or remedy against any other Guarantor. In the event that there is a Change in Control with respect to any Guarantor, all obligations of such Guarantor
hereunder shall be relieved in full and such Guarantor shall cease to be subject to any obligation hereunder or to be deemed a "Guarantor" upon the effectiveness of such Change in Control. 

4

 

        (c)  Each
Guarantor hereby waives any right to which it may be entitled to have its obligations hereunder divided among the Guarantors, such that such Guarantor's obligations
would be less than the full amount claimed. Each Guarantor hereby waives any right to which it may be entitled to have the assets of the Borrower first be used and depleted as payment of the
Borrower's or such Guarantor's obligations hereunder prior to any amounts being claimed from or paid by such Guarantor hereunder. Each Guarantor hereby waives any right to which it may be entitled to
require that the Borrower be sued prior to an action being initiated against such Guarantor. 

        (d)  Each
Guarantor further agrees that its guarantee herein constitutes a guarantee of payment when due (and not a guarantee of collection) and waives any right to require
that any resort be had by the Holder to any security held for payment of the Guaranteed Obligations. 

        (e)  The
obligations of each Guarantor hereunder shall not be subject to any reduction, limitation, impairment or termination for any reason (other than payment of the
Guaranteed Obligations in full), including any claim of waiver, release, surrender, alteration or compromise of any Guaranteed Obligation, and shall not be subject to any defense of setoff,
counterclaim, recoupment or termination whatsoever or by reason of the invalidity, illegality or unenforceability of the Guaranteed Obligations or otherwise. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, the obligations of each Guarantor herein shall not be discharged or impaired or otherwise affected by the failure of the Holder to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any remedy under
this Note or any other agreement, by any waiver or modification of any provision thereof by any default, failure or delay, willful or otherwise, in the performance of the Guaranteed Obligations, or by
any other act or omission or delay to do any other act that may or might in any manner or to any extent vary the risk of any Guarantor or that would otherwise operate as a discharge of any Guarantor
as a matter of law or equity. 

        (f)
Each Guarantor agrees that its guarantee shall remain in full force and effect until payment in full of all the Guaranteed Obligations. Each Guarantor further agrees that its
guarantee herein shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time payment, or any part thereof, of principal of or interest on any Guaranteed Obligation is rescinded
or must otherwise be restored by the Holder upon the bankruptcy or reorganization of the Borrower or otherwise. 

        (g)  In
furtherance of the foregoing and not in limitation of any other right which the Holder has at law or in equity against any Guarantor by virtue hereof, upon the
failure of the Borrower to pay the Guaranteed Obligation when and as the same shall become due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, by prepayment or otherwise, each Guarantor hereby promises to and
shall, upon receipt of written demand by the Holder, forthwith pay, or cause to be paid, in cash, to the Holder an amount equal to the sum of (i) the unpaid amount of such Guaranteed
Obligations and (ii) accrued and unpaid interest on such Guaranteed Obligations then due and owing (but only to the extent not prohibited by law). 

        (h)  Each
Guarantor agrees that it shall not be entitled to any right of subrogation in relation to the Holder in respect of any Guaranteed Obligations guaranteed hereby
until payment in full of all Guaranteed Obligations. Each Guarantor further agrees that, as between it and the Holder, (i) the maturity of the Guaranteed Obligations guaranteed hereby may be
accelerated as provided in Section 9 for the purposes of any guarantee herein, notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such acceleration in respect of the
Guaranteed Obligations guaranteed hereby, and (ii) in the event of any declaration of acceleration of such Guaranteed Obligations as provided in Section 10, such Guaranteed Obligations
(whether or not due and payable) shall forthwith become due and payable by such Guarantor for the purposes of this Section 8. 

        (i)
Each Guarantor also agrees to pay any and all costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses) incurred by the Holder in enforcing any rights under this
Section 8. 

5

 

        (j)
The Borrower shall cause each Subsidiary that (i) has not executed and delivered this Note "as Guarantor" and (ii) is or becomes a Principal Borrower Subsidiary to
execute and deliver such instruments and do such acts as may be necessary for such Principal Borrower Subsidiary to become a Guarantor under this Section 8. 

        (k)
Upon request of the Holder, each Guarantor shall execute and deliver such further instruments and do such further acts as may be reasonably necessary or proper to carry out more
effectively the purpose of this Note. 

        (l)
In the case of any payments made by a Guarantor pursuant to this Section 8, the following shall apply: 

        (i)    All
such payments shall be made to the Holder without withholding or deduction for, or on account of, Taxes (other than those withholdings or deductions to which
payments by the Borrower are subject). In the event any withholding or deduction for Taxes is required by law or by the interpretation or administration thereof by the relevant governmental authority,
such Guarantor shall pay such additional amounts as may be necessary in order that the net amounts received by the Holder after such withholding or deduction may not be less than the net amount that
would have been received by the Holder from the Borrower. 

        (ii)  If
the Holder is entitled to claim an exemption from, or a reduction of, any withholding or deduction for or on account of Taxes under any applicable law or treaty, the
Holder hereby covenants and agrees that it will take all reasonably necessary steps to secure the benefit of such exemption or reduction. Further, if the Holder is entitled to claim a refund of any
withholding or deduction of or on account of Taxes under any applicable law or treaty, the Holder hereby covenants and agrees that it will take all reasonably necessary steps to secure such refund,
and (to the extent that such Guarantor has made a payment of an additional amount pursuant to this Section 8(l)) account for such refund to such Guarantor. 

        (iii)  If
(and for so long as) the Holder fails to satisfy its obligations under clause (ii) of this Section 8(l), such Guarantor shall not be required to make
any payments under this Section 8 to the extent that such payments could have been avoided if the Holder had complied with its obligations under clause (ii) of this Section 8(l).
For example (and solely for purposes of illustration), if payments by such Guarantor are subject to a withholding tax of 15%, but under the applicable tax treaty the Holder is entitled to claim a
reduction of withholding tax from 15% to 10%, then, if the Holder fails to comply with its obligations under clause (ii) of this Section 8(l), such Guarantor shall be obligated to make
payments under clause (i) of this Section 8(l) on the reduced 10% withholding tax and shall have no obligation under clause (i) of this Section 8(l) with respect to the 5%
withholding tax that could have been avoided if the Holder had complied with its obligations under clause (ii) of this Section 8(l). 

        Section 9.    Events of Default.    

        (a)  An
"Event of Default" occurs if: 

        (i)    any
default shall be made in the payment of the principal of or cash interest on the Series B Notes, when and as the same shall become due and payable, whether at
the due date thereof, upon acceleration thereof or otherwise; 

        (ii)  any
event or condition occurs that results in any Material Indebtedness becoming due prior to its scheduled maturity; provided  that this clause (ii) shall not apply in the case of (A) voluntary or
mandatory prepayments under the Series A Notes or the Series B Notes that are
paid in full when due or (B) any secured Indebtedness that becomes due as a result of the voluntary sale or transfer of the property or assets securing such Indebtedness; 

6

 

        (iii)  an
Event of Default (as defined in the Series A Notes) occurs with respect to the Series A Notes; 

        (iv)  the
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries defaults in any material respect in its obligations hereunder (other than any obligations for the payment of principal or
interest) or in any of the Security Agreements; provided that such default shall not have been cured within twenty (20) Business Days after
written notice of such default; 

        (v)  the
Borrower becomes subject to a Bankruptcy Event; 

        (vi)  (A)
except as permitted by this Note, any of the Security Agreements or other documents delivered pursuant thereto shall be held in any judicial proceeding to be
unenforceable or invalid, or shall cease for any reason to be in full force and effect and such default continues for twenty (20) Business Days after written notice, or (B) the Borrower
or any Guarantor, or anyone acting on behalf of the Borrower or any Guarantor, shall deny or disaffirm its obligations under any of the Security Agreements or other documents delivered pursuant
thereto. 

        (b)  If
an Event of Default occurs, then the Holder of this Note may, by written notice to the Borrower, declare this Note to be forthwith due and payable, whereupon this
Note shall become forthwith due and payable, both as to principal and interest, without presentment, demand, protest, or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived. 

        Section 10.    Notices of Material Events.    

        (a)  The
Borrower shall furnish the Holder written notice of the occurrence of any Event of Default or any development or circumstance that has, or could reasonably be
expected to have, a Borrower Material Adverse Effect (as defined below) promptly upon the Borrower's obtaining knowledge thereof. 

        (b)  Each
notice delivered under this Section 10 shall be accompanied by a statement of an executive officer of the Borrower setting forth the details of the event,
development or circumstance requiring such notice and any action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto. 

        Section 11.    Extension of Maturity.    

        Should
the principal of and interest on this Note become due and payable on other than a Business Day, the maturity hereof shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day, and
interest shall be payable at the rate per annum herein specified during such extension. 

        Section 12.    Successors and Assigns.    

        The
provisions of this Note shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Borrower and the Guarantors and their respective successors and permitted assigns and the Holder of this
Note and its successors and assigns. None of the obligations of the Borrower or any Guarantor hereunder may be assigned without the prior written consent of the Holder. Subject to applicable federal
and state securities Laws, this Note is transferable and assignable by the Holder (or its successor) only to a Subsidiary of the Holder (or back to the Holder). Any transfer of this Note may be made
only upon surrender of the original Note for registration of transfer, duly endorsed, or accompanied by a duly executed written instrument of transfer. 

        Section 13.    No Waiver.    

        Neither
a failure nor a delay on the part of the Holder in exercising any right, power or privilege under this Note shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall a single or partial
exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise of any right, power or privilege. The rights, remedies and benefits of the Holder herein expressly specified are cumulative and not exclusive of
any other rights remedies or benefits which either may have under this Note at law, in equity, by statute or otherwise. 

7

 

        Section 14.    Governing Law.    

        THIS
NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. This Note was negotiated and executed in the State and County of New York. All
actions, suits and proceedings arising out of relating to this Note shall be heard and determined exclusively in a New York state or federal court sitting in the County of New York, and the Holder,
the Borrower and the Guarantors hereby irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts in any such action or proceeding and irrevocably agree to the laying of venue in such courts and
waive the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of any such action, suit or proceeding. 

        Section 15.    Titles and Subtitles.    

        The
titles and subtitles used in this Note are used for convenience only and are not to be considered in construing or interpreting this Note. 

        Section 16.    Definitions.    As used in this Note, unless otherwise specified, the following terms have the
meanings specified below: 

        "Acquisition Agreement" means the Acquisition Agreement between Nortel Networks Corporation and the Borrower dated as of October 7,
2002 (as amended through the date hereof). 

        "Bankruptcy Event" has the meaning set forth in the Acquisition Agreement. 

        "Borrower" has the meaning set forth in Section 1(a). 

        "Borrower Material Adverse Effect" means any long-term or short-term effect that is or is reasonably likely to be
materially adverse to (i) the business, results of operations, assets, liabilities or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or
(ii) the ability of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries to perform their respective obligations under the Security Documents and the Supply Agreement between the Borrower and Nortel Networks
Corporation dated as of the date hereof, but in each case shall not include any effect arising out of or resulting from (A) a change in general economic or financial conditions
(provided that such changes do not affect the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, in a materially disproportionate manner in comparison to
other companies engaged in the same industry) or (B) a change, condition or circumstance in the industry in which the Borrower and its Subsidiaries operate (provided  that such changes do not affect
the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, in a materially disproportionate manner in comparison to other companies engaged in the
same industry); provided, however, that (1) any decrease in the market price or trading volume of
the Borrower's securities or any shareholder litigation resulting therefrom shall not, in and of itself, constitute a Borrower Material Adverse Effect and (2) the failure of the Borrower to
achieve internal or external financial forecasts or projections shall not, in and of itself, constitute a Borrower Material Adverse Effect. 

        "Business Day" means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which banks are required or authorized by law to be closed in
New York, New York; London, England or Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 

        "Change of Control" has the meaning set forth in the Acquisition Agreement. 

        "Collateral" has the meaning set forth in the U.S. Security Agreement. 

        "Control" or "Controlled" means, as to any Person, the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such
Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise. 

8

 

        "Equity Interest" of any Person means any and all common stock, preferred stock and any other class of capital stock of, and any
partnership or limited liability company interests in, such Person or any other similar interests in such Person if such Person is not a corporation, partnership or limited liability company and
includes any interest that is convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any Equity Interest and any other right to acquire any Equity Interest. 

        "Excess Asset Sale Proceeds" means the Net Proceeds of all sales, transfers and other dispositions of Collateral consummated to the extent
the aggregate of all such Net Proceeds exceeds $30,000,000. 

        "Event of Default" has the meaning set forth in Section 9(a). 

        "Guaranteed Obligations" has the meaning set forth in Section 8. 

        "Guarantors" means (i) subject to the last sentence of Section 8(b), those Subsidiaries of the Borrower that have executed
and delivered this Note on the date hereof "as Guarantor" and (ii) such other Affiliates of the Borrower that have guaranteed the Series B Notes pursuant to Section 8(j). 

        "Highest Lawful Rate" means the maximum non-usurious rate of interest, as in effect from time to time, which may be charged,
contracted for, reserved, received or collected by the Holder in connection with this Note under applicable law. 

        "Holder" means the Person named as the Lender or such Person's permitted transferee or assign. 

        "Indebtedness" means any obligation in respect of (i) borrowed money, (ii) capitalized lease obligations,
(iii) obligations under interest rate agreements and currency agreements, (iv) guarantees of any obligation of any third Person, (v) letters of credit and (vi) indemnities
or performance bonds. 

        "Initial Net Proceeds" means the first $50,000,000 of the aggregate Net Proceeds of all Qualified Financings consummated after the date
hereof. 

        "Interest Payment Date" means each February 8, May 8, August 8 and November 8 beginning on February 8,
2003. 

        "Interest Rate" means 7.00% per annum; provided that such interest rate shall increase by
0.25% on each Interest Payment Date, up to a maximum rate of 10.00% per annum; provided further that anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, if
during any period for which interest is computed hereunder, the amount of interest computed on the basis provided for in this Note, together with all fees, charges and other payments that are treated
as interest under applicable law, as provided for herein or in any other document executed in connection herewith, would exceed the amount of such interest computed on the basis of the Highest Lawful
Rate, neither the Borrower nor any Guarantor shall be obligated to pay, and the Holder shall not be entitled to charge, collect, receive, reserve or take, interest in excess of the Highest Lawful
Rate, and during any such period the interest payable hereunder shall be computed on the basis of the Highest Lawful Rate. 

        "Lender" has the meaning set forth in Section 1(a). 

        "Liens" means any mortgage, easement, tenancy, right-of-way, restriction, deed or trust, pledge, hypothecation,
security interest, encumbrance, claim, lien, license, lease or charge of any kind. 

        "Material Indebtedness" means any Indebtedness of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries having an outstanding principal amount of at
least U.S.$5,000,000, individually or in the aggregate, whether such Indebtedness now exists or shall hereafter be created. 

        "Maturity Date" has the meaning set forth in Section 1(a). 

9

 

        "Net Proceeds" means, with respect to the sale, transfer or other disposition of any asset, the issuance of any security or any financing,
the aggregate amount of cash proceeds (including any other consideration that is converted into cash) therefrom, in each case net of any customary attorneys' fees, accountants' fees, underwriters' or
placement agents' fees, discounts or commissions and brokerage and consultant fees actually incurred in connection, and contemporaneously, therewith. 

        "Note" means this Note and any replacement Note executed and delivered by the Borrower and the Guarantors pursuant to Section 5
hereof. 

        "Permitted Liens" means the following Liens: (a) Liens for taxes not yet due or that are being contested in good faith;
(b) statutory Liens of landlords and Liens of carriers, warehousemen, mechanics, materialmen and other like Liens imposed by law and arising in the ordinary course of business; (c) Liens
incurred or deposits made in the ordinary course of business in connection with worker's compensation, unemployment insurance or other types of social security; (d) minor defects of title,
easements, rights-of-way, restrictions and other similar charges or encumbrances of record that individually or in the aggregate, do not interfere and would not reasonably be
expected to interfere with the continued use and operation of the asset to which they relate in the ordinary course of business; (e) Liens existing on the date hereof that were not created by
the Borrower or any of its affiliates; and (f) Liens arising under any of the Transaction Documents (as defined in the Acquisition Agreement). 

        "Person" means any natural person, general or limited partnership, corporation, limited liability company, firm, association or other
legal entity. 

        "Principal Borrower Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary of the Borrower the assets of which have an aggregate fair market value equal to or
greater than $1,000,000. 

        "Qualified Financing" means any issuance by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries of any Equity Interests and any Indebtedness incurred
by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries that is convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any Equity Interests. 

        "Security Agreements" has the meaning set forth in the Acquisition Agreement. 

        "Series A Notes" means the Series A Notes due 2007 of the Borrower with an original aggregate principal amount of
U.S.$20,000,000. 

        "Series B Notes" means the Series B Notes due 2005 of the Borrower with an original aggregate principal amount of
U.S.$30,000,000. 

        "Subsequent Net Proceeds" means the excess over $50,000,000 of Net Proceeds of all Qualified Financings consummated after the date hereof. 

        "Subsidiary" of any Person means any corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, trust or estate of which (or in
which) more than 50% of (a) the issued and outstanding capital stock (or other Equity Interest) having ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors (or similar governing
body) of such entity or (b) the interest in the capital or profits of such entity is at the time directly or indirectly owned or Controlled by such Person, by such Person and one or more of its
other Subsidiaries or by one or more of such Person's other Subsidiaries. 

        "Taxes" has the meaning set forth in the Acquisition Agreement. 

10

 

        IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the Borrower and the Guarantors has duly executed and delivered this Note as of the date first written above. 

	 	 	Very truly yours,
	

 	
 	
BOOKHAM TECHNOLOGY PLC, as Borrower
	

 	
 	
By:	

/s/  PHILIP DAVIS      

	 	 	Name:	Philip Davis
	 	 	Title:	Company Secretary
	

 	
 	
BOOKHAM TECHNOLOGY INC., as Guarantor
	

 	
 	
By:	

/s/  PHILIP DAVIS      

	 	 	Name:	Philip Davis
	 	 	Title:	 
	

 	
 	
BOOKHAM ACQUISITION INC., as Guarantor
	

 	
 	
By:	

/s/  PHILIP DAVIS      

	 	 	Name:	Philip Davis
	 	 	Title:	 
	

 	
 	
BOOKHAM (SWITZERLAND) AG, as Guarantor
	

 	
 	
By:	

/s/  PHILIP DAVIS      

	 	 	Name:	Philip Davis
	 	 	Title:	 

11

QuickLinks

Exhibit 4.7

EXECUTION VERSION

SERIES B NOTE

Source: [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00048-of-00352.parquet"}, [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00048-of-00352.parquet"}]]