Coherent introduces 2D VCSEL and photodiode arrays
Coherent has announced what is claims is a breakthrough in short-reach optical interconnect technology with the demonstration of its next-generation 2D VCSEL and photodiode (PD) arrays.
Best suited for 'slow and wide' interconnections in scale-up AI networks, these arrays are designed to enable power-efficient and compact links optimised for short reach, addressing the surging data traffic demands in modern data centres.
Using its 100G PAM4 multimode VCSEL and PD platform, Coherent has introduced a high-density 2D array architecture (1.6T, 850 nm, 32x50G NRZ) that enables copper link replacement and optimal degree of parallelism.
With advantages in low power consumption, reduced latency, and cost efficiency, these arrays are designed to support the transition to Near-Packaged Optics (NPO) and Co-Packaged Optics (CPO), accelerating the deployment of AI/ML workloads in hyperscale data centres.
“We are continuously anticipating the needs of next-generation data centre interconnects. Our high-density multimode 2D VCSEL and PD arrays represent an important step forward in enabling parallelism, power-efficient design, and flexible architectures that will shape the future of AI and machine learning networks,” said Karlheinz Gulden, SVP for laser and subsystems at Coherent.
As an initial step toward enabling high-performance AI/ML scale-up links, Coherent will introduce 1060 nm backside-emitting (BSE) flip-chip VCSEL/PD array variants in 2026, expanding its product portfolio for next-generation optical networking.
