Presentation | Optical Challenges and Opportunities in CPO

On September 11, 16:55–17:15 (CST), Dr. Wilfried Noell, Chief Scientist of Focuslight Technologies, is speaking at the CIOE 2025 concurrent forum – “Advanced Optical Technology Development for Ultra-Large-Scale Intelligent Computing Clusters Forum”, held at the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center (Bao’an). His talk is titled “Optical Challenges and Opportunities in CPO” and is delivered in English.

Abstract

As artificial intelligence drives exponential growth in computing demand within data centers, co-packaged optics (CPO) is emerging as a disruptive technology reshaping the next generation of high-speed optical interconnects. This talk address:

Core Technologies: Collaborative innovations between silicon photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and external laser sources (ELSFP) in CPO systems.

Key Challenges: Scalable manufacturing of high-efficiency pluggable optical interfaces and fiber array units (FAUs).

Solutions: Focuslight’s full-chain micro-optics solutions, including:

• Microlenses and arrays: Achieving beam shaping and optimized coupling efficiency through ultra-precision fabrication.
• Integrated micro-prism lens arrays: Enabling multi-channel parallel optical transmission networks.
• Precision-designed V-groove arrays: Reaching sub-micron alignment accuracy for fiber arrays.
• Specialized micro-optical components: Custom-designed for extreme application environments.

This technology framework not only injects innovation into the CPO field but also extends to OIO (Optical Input & Output) chip-to-chip interconnects and optical circuit switches (OCS) for dynamic routing. Together, these advances provide robust support for efficient interconnection and large-scale expansion of AI data-center clusters, ultimately enabling the sustainable growth of future intelligent computing ecosystems.

Speaker

Dr. Wilfried Noell is Chief Scientist at Focuslight, specializing in integrated optics, microtechnology, silicon photonics and miniaturizing photonics systems. With more than 25 years of experience in the photonics industry, he previously served as Senior Principal Scientist and Director of R&D at SUSS MicroOptics (acquired by Focuslight in January 2024, now as Focuslight Switzerland).

Wilfried started his career as team leader at the University of Neuchâtel and has later held key roles at Comet AG and EPFL, focusing on MEMS and optical MEMS (MOEMS). Wilfried holds a PhD in Si-Photonics for sensing applications from IMM Mainz / Uni Ulm and a master's degree in physics from TU Darmstadt / Deutsche Telekom for his work on InP integrated optics.