Coherent Demonstrates Industry’s First 400G Differential Electro-Absorption Modulated Laser
Rhea-AI Summary
Coherent Corp. (NYSE: COHR) has unveiled the industry's first 400 Gb/s Differential Electro-absorption Modulated Laser (D-EML) at OFC 2025, advancing high-speed optical networking for data centers. This innovation builds upon their successful 200G D-EML, which received recognition in the 2025 Lightwave+BTR Innovation Reviews.
The differential design doubles signal amplitude while reducing power consumption and minimizing crosstalk, delivering superior OMA and ER performance. The D-EML features integrated on-chip termination network for optimized electrical performance and is designed for low-cost, non-hermetic packaging solutions.
The 400G D-EML will be available under controlled availability, while the 200G D-EML is expected for general release in 2026. Demonstrations will be held at OFC 2025 in San Francisco, April 1-3 at booth #1519.
Positive
- First-to-market with 400G D-EML technology
- Enhanced performance with doubled signal amplitude and lower power consumption
- Designed for cost-effective non-hermetic packaging
- Recognition for 200G D-EML in 2025 Lightwave+BTR Innovation Reviews
Negative
- 200G D-EML general availability delayed until 2026
- 400G D-EML to controlled availability
Insights
Coherent's demonstration of the industry's first 400 Gb/s Differential Electro-absorption Modulated Laser (D-EML) represents a significant technological breakthrough in the optical networking space. This innovation directly addresses the explosive growth in data center infrastructure driven by AI workloads, where power consumption and signal integrity are critical challenges.
The differential design effectively doubles signal amplitude while reducing power consumption compared to traditional single-ended EMLs. This technical advantage positions Coherent favorably against competitors in the race to enable 1.6T and future 3.2T connectivity solutions. The integrated on-chip termination network further enhances performance by reducing signal pre-conditioning requirements.
Coherent is leveraging its vertical integration capabilities - a key strategic advantage in the photonics industry where controlling the full technology stack is increasingly valuable. The collaboration with Ciena for DSP chip supply demonstrates the ecosystem development necessary to commercialize advanced optical technologies.
While the immediate revenue impact will be with the 400G version under controlled availability and the 200G version not reaching general availability until 2026, this announcement reinforces Coherent's technology leadership in high-performance optical components essential for next-generation data centers supporting AI infrastructure.
SAXONBURG, Pa., March 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Coherent Corp. (NYSE: COHR), a global leader in photonics, is demonstrating the industry's first 400 Gb/s Differential Electro-absorption Modulated Laser (D-EML) at OFC 2025. This represents a significant advance in high-speed optical networking technology for data centers.
Built on the success of its 200G D-EML, which was recognized in the 2025 Lightwave+BTR Innovation Reviews, this innovative D-EML by Coherent addresses critical challenges in optical transceiver designs for 1.6T and future 3.2T connectivity driven by explosive AI infrastructure growth. Unlike traditional single-ended EMLs, its differential design effectively doubles the signal amplitude, significantly lowering overall power consumption while minimizing crosstalk. This enables the differential EML to deliver superior OMA and ER performance. An integrated on-chip termination network further optimizes electrical performance, reducing the need for extensive signal pre-conditioning and enhancing signal integrity. The D-EML builds upon proven EML technology from Coherent and is designed for use in low-cost, non-hermetic packaging solutions.
"This pioneering differential EML design underscores our commitment to innovation and technology leadership," said Dr. Beck Mason, Executive Vice President, Telecommunications at Coherent. "Leveraging our vertical integration capabilities, we continue to empower the data center market’s evolution. We also take this opportunity to thank Ciena for their support in providing a DSP chip to drive this laser for the demonstration.”
The 400G D-EML will be demonstrated at OFC 2025 and supplied under controlled availability upon request, while the 200G D-EML general availability is expected in 2026. Visit booth #1519 at OFC 2025 in San Francisco, April 1-3 to see innovative demonstrations and learn more about the extensive portfolio of optical and semiconductor high-performance solutions from Coherent.
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. Coherent has research and development, manufacturing, sales, service, and distribution facilities worldwide. For more information, please visit us at coherent.com.
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