- In December 2024, IBM (U.S.) unveiled a new process for CPO that enhances data center connectivity by integrating optical waveguides with silicon photonics. This technology is designed to replace traditional electrical interconnects, potentially speeding up data center training for generative Al models by up to 5 times. The use of polymer optical waveguides (PWGs) allows for a higher density of optical fibers-up to six times more at the chip edge-improving bandwidth significantly and extending cable lengths from one meter to hundreds of meters
- In October 2024, Lumentum (U.S.) participated in the European Conference on Optical Communication (ECOC) 2024, highlighting its enhanced 800G ZR+ coherent pluggable transceivers. These transceivers are optimized for extended reach and higher optical power applications, addressing the growing demands of Al infrastructure and long-reach data center interconnects. The transceivers leverage Lumentum's proprietary indium phosphide technology for superior performance
- In November 2024, Celestial Al (U.S.) acquired Rockley Photonics' (U.S.) silicon photonics intellectual property (IP) portfolio for USD 20 million. This acquisition includes worldwide issued and pending patents related to optoelectronic systems-in-package, electro-absorption modulators (EAMs), and optical switch technology. The integration of Rockley's IP enhances Celestial Al's Photonic Fabric technology platform, which targets Al data center infrastructure applications
- In October 2024, Cisco Investments (U.S.) participated in a Series A funding round for Xscape Photonics, which raised USD 44 million to develop its ChromX platform. This platform aims to enhance scalability and performance in Al data centers by utilizing multi-color, programmable photonics technology
- In March 2024, MACOM (U.S.) launched MACOM PURE DRIVE 200 Gbps per lane Liner Drive to enable the development of 1.6 TB linear pluggable optical ("LPO") modules
