Lumentum samples directly modulated 100G PAM4 laser
Advanced InP laser technology enables lower cost solutions for hyperscale data centre speeds of 400G and beyond
Lumentum, a provider of high-speed optical transmission solutions, has announced a new addition to its datacom laser chip portfolio, the 100G PAM4 (53 Gbaud) directly-modulated laser (DML) for hyperscale data centre applications. This product complements Lumentum's existing 100G PAM4 externally modulated laser (EML) products and offers transceiver designers a lower cost alternative.
In response to the rapid growth of intra-data centre traffic and the resulting need for higher speed, capacity, and reliability, Lumentum has begun sampling its 100G PAM4 DMLs to customers seeking a cost-effective approach for 400G DR4 and future 800G PSM8 transceiver module applications.
"This latest advancement helps to reduce the cost of 400G DR4 modules in data centre infrastructures," said Walter Jankovic, Lumentum SVP and general manager, datacom. "The 100G PAM4 DML goes beyond servicing the current need for cost-effective and innovative InP laser solutions at mass volume by enabling future intra-data centre interconnects as the industry moves to 800G."
The newly developed 100G PAM4 DML joins Lumentum's portfolio of laser chips that enable a wide-range of MSA-compliant transceiver modules operating at multiple data rates and wavelengths.
Manufactured with Lumentum's internal wafer production capabilities, the 100G PAM4 DML leverages advanced InP technology, using a sophisticated cavity design to operate with the same high-bandwidth performance of an EML in 100G and 400G applications, but in a small, simple, and cost-effective footprint.
The latest DML can lower the cost of 400G DR4 compared with current laser alternatives. Additionally, 800G PSM8 modules can benefit from the capabilities of the new 100G PAM4 DML, which is important as data centres transition to these modules in future top-of-rack and leaf layer applications.
