SANTA CLARA, Calif., March 6 -- Intel Corp. is expanding its optical networking business to include photonics design and manufacturing. The move is part of Intel's long-term strategy to grow its communications business and to be the leading building-block supplier for high-speed, high-capacity optical networks. Intel will provide photonic design and manufacturing services for optical component and system manufacturers focused on the metropolitan and long-haul market segments. "Intel's entry into photonics is an outgrowth of many years of internal research and development and a core expertise in silicon manufacturing," said Rama Shukla, general manager of Intel Photonics. To support its photonics business, Intel recently completed a 70,000-foot design, fabrication and assembly/test facility in San Jose, Calif., built specifically for photonic component manufacturing using 8-inch silicon wafers. Intel also recently acquired Templex Technology Inc., which provided additional photonics expertise and component technology.