Coherent reveals extensive InP technology range for future photonics

Coherent is gearing up to showcase its latest advancements in Indium Phosphide (InP) technology at OFC 2026, positioning itself as a crucial player in the realm of next-generation optical networking. The company is all set to unveil a diverse range of components and subsystems tailored to meet the escalating demands of AI-powered data center infrastructure.

As data traffic continues to soar and energy efficiency takes center stage, the announcement underscores the pivotal role played by InP in supporting high-speed optical connectivity. For readers of eeNews Europe, these developments offer valuable insights into how photonics suppliers are enhancing performance and manufacturing capabilities to cater to AI workloads and future network architectures.

Expanding InP Portfolio for High-Speed Networks

At the heart of Coherent’s presentation lies an extensive InP-based portfolio encompassing lasers, modulators, photodiodes, and integrated subsystems. The company is introducing a 400mW high-power continuous-wave laser designed for co-packaged optics (CPO) and silicon photonics pluggables, in addition to 200G electro-absorption modulated laser (EML) solutions targeting 1.6T transceivers.

The lineup also features differential EMLs (D-EMLs) capable of supporting 400G per lane performance for emerging 3.2T pluggable modules, along with high-speed 200G and 400G photodiodes. Beyond individual components, Coherent is advancing transmission technologies such as nano-Integrated Tunable Laser Assemblies (nITLA) and high-capacity IQ modulators to cater to 800G and 1.6T applications.

Collectively, these offerings form a comprehensive InP-based solution set that addresses scale-out, scale-up, and scale-across architectures, positioning the technology as a versatile foundation for both pluggable transceivers and optical transport systems.

Manufacturing Scale and AI Demand Fuel Momentum

Coherent is placing a strong emphasis on its manufacturing capabilities as a key differentiator, especially with the increasing demand stemming from AI infrastructure deployments. The company is scaling up 6-inch InP wafer production across its facilities in Sweden, the United States, and Switzerland to ensure a seamless supply chain.

Beck Mason, Executive VP – Semiconductor Devices at Coherent, emphasized, “InP technology plays a central role in high-performance optical connectivity. Our expanding InP platform, ranging from high-power lasers and advanced modulators to photodiodes and integrated subsystems, underscores our commitment to delivering the performance, scalability, and manufacturing depth necessary for AI-driven networks. We are significantly ramping up 6’’ InP production across our fabs in Järfälla (Sweden), Sherman (U.S.), and Zürich (Switzerland), reinforcing supply continuity and scalability for customers deploying next-generation optical systems.”

The company’s presence at OFC 2026 will offer a closer look at how its expanding portfolio and production footprint are aligning with industry requirements for higher bandwidth, reduced power consumption, and scalable optical interconnects.