STMicroelectronics Releases Next-Gen Optical Interconnect Technologies: Week in Brief: 2/21/25

STMicroelectronics has released its next generation of 300 mm silicon platform proprietary technologies based on its silicon phosphorous and BiCMOS technologies for higher-performing optical interconnects in datacenters and AI clusters. Developed in collaboration with Amazon Web Services, BiCMOS is a combination of bipolar resisters and CMOS technology based on silicon germanium. The products will include 800 Gbps and 1.6 Tbps optical modules. The company is also developing a roadmap with its partners across the value chain for higher energy efficiency pluggable optics.

STMicroelectronics’ 300 mm fabrication site in Crolles, France. Courtesy of STMicroelectronics.

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Infinera Corporation, an open optical networking solutions company, anticipates that its pending acquisition by Nokia Corporation will close on or about Feb. 28, subject to remaining outstanding regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of other remaining customary closing conditions. Nokia first reached an agreement to purchase Infinera at an enterprise value of $2.3 billion in June 2024.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — OLED technology developer Japan Display Inc. (JDI) has made a strategic investment in multi-stack OLED technology company OLEDWorks to establish an advanced display fab in the U.S. The companies will leverage JDI’s display technology and manufacturing with OLEDWorks’ existing U.S. presence and advanced multi-stack OLED technology, manufacturing, and product capabilities. The U.S.-based fab will focus on delivering high-performance displays for industries including defense, automotive, and medical applications.

Members of both Saab and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. Courtesy of Saab.

LINKÖPING, Sweden — Defense and security company Saab has signed a memorandum of understanding with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), an aerospace and defense company, for a maintenance transfer of technology that would allow HAL to gain the capability to manufacture Saab’s Electronic Warfare land Laser Warning System-310 (LWS-310) within India. The nonbinding agreement includes setting up necessary infrastructure, training programs, and transferring technical expertise from Saab to HAL to ensure long-term support for the system. LWS-310 enables a combat management system to employ effective countermeasures against laser threats.

STOCKHOLM — Internet services provider Arelion has successfully completed a field trial on its long-haul route between Stockholm and Hamburg, Germany, using Cisco 800G ZR+ coherent pluggable optical modules in Cisco 8000 series routers powered by Cisco Silicon One. The trial demonstrated IP transmission at 800 Gbps over 1069 km while reducing power consumption, maximizing bandwidth, and enabling higher data speeds for wholesale and enterprise customers.

URBANA, Ill. — The University of Illinois System and the University Academic Alliance in Taiwan have awarded $1.2 million in funding to eight new interdisciplinary research teams selected from 52 applications with proposals focused on next-generation semiconductor technologies, AI, and data for human well-being and sustainability. These are the first awards from the institutional partnership launched in 2023. Projects include building a Taiwan-Illinois pipeline for manufacturing nonlinear and quantum photonics, AI-empowered multimodal optical imaging for chronic disease prognosis, and the creation of digital twins for personalized immunotherapy, among others.

InnovMetric and SCANTECH have made an agreement making SCANTECH a bundled reseller of InnovMetric’s PolyWorks software solutions. Courtesy of InnovMetric.

QUÉBEC CITY — InnovMetric, a 3D measurement software development company, has signed a global partnership agreement with SCANTECH, a provider of 3D solutions, for SCANTECH to become a bundled reseller of InnovMetric’s PolyWorks software solutions for dimensional analysis and quality control plus reverse engineering coupled with its portfolio of 3D measurement systems. The companies stated that a combination of their products will enable manufacturers to perform robust 3D metrology processes with high accuracy and efficiency.

Members of both Topcon and FARO Technologies. Courtesy of Topcon.

LIVERMORE, Calif. — Optical and sensing solutions developer Topcon has entered into a strategic agreement with 3D metrology company FARO Technologies to develop and distribute solutions in the laser scanning market. The agreement is expected to expand access to digital reality solutions and result in complementary product developments, such as the integration of Topcon solutions and that of its subsidiary, Sokkia, with FARO’s solutions. The collaboration will focus on leveraging the companies’ collective expertise in laser scanning technologies, targeting sectors including construction, surveying, mapping, architecture, forensics, building information modeling, and industrial plant and process applications.

GILCHING, Germany — Quantum Systems, a drone developer, is doubling its production capacity in Ukraine in 2025, reinforcing a previously made commitment to rapid and effective defense solutions. The decision was made during the Munich Security conference with support from Minister of Strategic Industry of Ukraine Herman Smetanin and Deputy Minister Ganna Gvozdiar. The company has production hubs in Australia, the United States, Germany, and Ukraine.