Coherent Debuts Extended C+L-Band Grisms With Unmatched Efficiency and Performance
- Introduction of groundbreaking family of advanced gratings and grisms for optical communications
- Enables construction of more cost-effective, efficient, and compact network components
- Supports increased communication channels like WSS and optical channel monitors
- Driven by surge in network traffic from AI adoption in datacom and telecom segments
- Utilizes multilayer dielectric diffraction gratings for superior performance
- Provides exceptional efficiency up to 97% and broader wavelength coverage over C+L band
- Manufacturing process allows customization to specific customer requirements
- None.
Insights
Optical communication technology is central to the infrastructure of modern data networks and innovations in this field can have a profound effect on the industry. Coherent Corp.'s introduction of high-efficiency grisms and transmission gratings is a significant step in optical component design, potentially leading to enhancements in network efficiency and capacity.
The expanded functionality of these components, including aberration correction and wavefront transformation, addresses a critical need for higher performance in optical networks. The ability to support the entire extended C+L band in a single optic could allow for more streamlined systems, reducing the complexity and cost of network design. Furthermore, the exceptional efficiency of up to 97% could lead to considerable energy savings, an increasingly important factor given the global push towards sustainability.
However, the adoption of such technologies is not without challenges. Network operators will need to evaluate the compatibility of these new components with existing systems and the potential need for additional investments to realize their benefits. Additionally, while the claim of affordability is compelling, the actual cost savings and return on investment for businesses will be critical in determining the market success of these innovations.
The surge in network traffic due to the adoption of AI technologies is creating a robust demand for more efficient and compact network components. Coherent Corp.'s advancements could position them favorably in the optical communications market, which is characterized by rapid technological advancements and strong competition.
By leveraging manufacturing techniques from the semiconductor industry, Coherent may achieve a competitive edge in production efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This strategic move could result in market share gains, especially if the performance enhancements are as significant as suggested. The ability to customize these components to specific customer requirements further adds to their market appeal.
Investors should monitor Coherent's market penetration following the release of these products and any partnerships or contracts that may arise as a result. The company's presence at OFC 2024 could serve as a catalyst for business development opportunities, potentially impacting its stock valuation.
The telecommunications industry is under constant pressure to innovate due to increasing data demands and the need for cost reduction. Coherent Corp.'s development aligns with industry trends towards higher density, space-saving components that do not compromise on performance.
With the claim of higher dispersion allowing for tighter channel spacing and improved channel isolation, these new optical components could enable telecom operators to enhance their network capacity without the need for extensive infrastructure overhauls. This is particularly relevant as the industry moves towards more advanced technologies like 5G and beyond, which require more efficient use of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Long-term, the adoption of these components could set a new standard for optical network design. However, the rate of adoption and the actual performance in real-world scenarios will be key factors influencing the impact on the industry. It will be important to track subsequent independent testing results and customer feedback following the product's introduction to the market.
PITTSBURGH, March 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Coherent Corp. (NYSE: COHR), a leader in optical communications components and subsystems, has introduced a groundbreaking family of advanced, aberration-correcting, high-efficiency grisms and transmission gratings capable of encompassing the entire extended C+L band in a single optic. These enable construction of more cost-effective, efficient, and compact network components that support more communication channels, such as wavelength selective switches (WSS) and optical channel monitors.
“Both the datacom and telecom segments are experiencing a surge in network traffic driven by the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. Meeting this growth, along with market-based pressures for reduction of cost and size, necessitates the use of smaller, more efficient components for network management and telemetry. These forces have driven the need for technological innovation to combine individual C- and L-band WSS systems with extended wavelength coverage. Coherent is the first to develop gratings and grisms that specifically support these needs,” said Steve Rummel, Senior Vice President, Coherent Engineered Materials and Laser Optics.
Coherent achieves these goals through multilayer dielectric diffraction (MLD) gratings fabricated using the same mask projection photolithography processes employed in the semiconductor industry.
Our innovative MLD diffraction gratings enable the curvature and spacing of every individual grating line to be separately and precisely controlled. This results in optics that excel over competitive products in several important ways.
- Expanded grating functionality past dispersion to include aberration correction and wavefront transformation
- Exceptional efficiency up to
97% , providing reduced power consumption and heat dissipation - Grating design provides for higher dispersion, which permits tighter channel spacing and improved channel isolation
These same performance factors also combine to deliver broader wavelength coverage over the entire extended C+L band. The manufacturing process excellence enables Coherent to provide this performance-enhancing product at an affordable value to our customers.
The Coherent grism and grating platform is qualified for a broad range of materials and groove densities and can be readily customized to specific customer requirements.
Coherent will exhibit at OFC 2024 in San Diego, March 26-28, booth #3412, showcasing its new products and technology for next-generation optical communications networks and sensing.
About Coherent
Coherent empowers market innovators to define the future through breakthrough technologies, from materials to systems. We deliver innovations that resonate with our customers in diversified applications for the industrial, communications, electronics, and instrumentation markets. Headquartered in Saxonburg, Pennsylvania, Coherent has research and development, manufacturing, sales, service, and distribution facilities worldwide. For more information, please visit us at coherent.com.
Contact
Amy Wilson
Manager, Corporate Communications
corporate.communications@coherent.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/556b2e11-b858-4e06-a6a5-8a358aa35143
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