Sivers and SemiNex develop InP light sources

Key Takeaways

• Sivers Semiconductors and SemiNex Corporation collaborate on a $3.4 million program for next-generation InP light sources
• The program targets high-power external laser sources, DFB arrays, and SOA gain stages for AI data center interconnects
• Customer sampling and early production are expected in 2H 2027
• The development focuses on improving power per wavelength, wall-plug efficiency, and thermal stability

Introduction to InP Light Sources

Sivers Semiconductors AB and SemiNex Corporation have announced a joint program to develop next-generation indium phosphide (InP) light sources for artificial intelligence (AI) data center interconnects. The initial investment for this program is approximately $3.4 million.

Program Objectives

The primary objectives of this program are to design and develop high-power external laser sources for co-packaged optics (CPO), high-channel-count distributed feedback (DFB) arrays for wavelength-multiplexed links, and semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) gain stages. These components are crucial for extending optical reach as channel counts scale in AI data center interconnects.

Technical Requirements

As optics move from the faceplate into the package, the following factors become increasingly important:

• Power per wavelength
• Wall-plug efficiency
• Thermal stability

These factors determine how far an architecture can scale, making the light source a system-level design problem rather than a simple component selection.

Comparison of InP Light Sources

The following table compares the key features of different InP light sources:

Development Timeline

Customer sampling and early production ramps are targeted for the second half of 2027 (2H 2027). This timeline indicates a rapid development and deployment schedule for the next-generation InP light sources.

Bottom Line

The collaboration between Sivers Semiconductors and SemiNex Corporation aims to address the growing demand for high-performance InP light sources in AI data center interconnects. With a focus on improving power per wavelength, wall-plug efficiency, and thermal stability, this program has the potential to revolutionize the field of optics and photonics. As the development progresses, we can expect significant advancements in the design and deployment of InP light sources, enabling faster and more efficient data transmission in AI data centers.