New startup focusing on hollow-core fiber aims to serve AI hyperscalers

Jenoptik experienced a record-breaking year, marked by strong financial performance; however, market uncertainties led to a slight dip in orders. Despite this, the company remains optimistic about its future prospects.

IPG reported a drop in annual sales, falling below the $1 billion mark. This decline is attributed to various market factors and challenges faced by the company in the past year.

The photonics integrated circuits (PICs) market is projected to grow substantially, potentially reaching over $50 billion by 2035. This significant growth is driven by increasing demand for advanced optical technologies and the integration of photonics into various industries.

Lumentum addressed concerns related to its collaboration with DeepSeek AI and potential tariff impacts. The company reassured stakeholders about the ongoing progress of its projects and its ability to navigate market challenges successfully.

Salience secured an additional $30 million in funding for the development of optical switches. This significant investment demonstrates confidence in the company’s innovative technologies and their potential impact on the market.

A recent Optica paper highlighted the successful delivery of a 2.2 kW single-mode narrow-linewidth laser through a hollow-core fiber. This breakthrough offers new possibilities for high-power laser applications and showcases the advancement of optical transmission technologies.

Professor Rodrigo Amezcua Correa of CREOL is actively involved in research and development in the field of photonics. His work contributes to the advancement of optical technologies and the exploration of new possibilities in the industry.

Luminar announced a ‘multi-billion dollar’ partnership with Mercedes-Benz, underscoring the growing importance of photonics in the automotive sector. This collaboration is expected to drive innovation and lead to the development of advanced optical solutions for the automotive industry.

Microsoft acquired Lumenisity, a Southampton spin-out company specializing in advanced optical technologies. This strategic move reflects Microsoft’s commitment to investing in cutting-edge solutions and expanding its presence in the photonics sector.

Open Photonics partnered with Qualcomm to collaborate on the XPRIZE competition, highlighting the importance of industry collaborations in driving innovation and advancing photonics technologies. This partnership is expected to result in significant developments in the field.

Researchers at the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) achieved new records for hollow-core optical transmission, demonstrating the potential of this technology for high-speed data transfer and telecommunications applications. This research contributes to the continued advancement of optical technologies and their applications in various industries.

In conclusion, the photonics industry continues to experience growth and innovation, driven by advancements in optical technology, increasing demand for integrated photonics solutions, and strategic partnerships among key industry players. Despite market uncertainties, companies remain committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the field of photonics and driving meaningful advancements in various sectors.