On Wednesday, 25 June 2025, from 10:00 to 12:00 CET, Dr. Wilfried Noell is Chief Scientist at Focuslight,? is attending the EPIC Integrated Photonics Applications Stage at the LWOP, held alongside the Laser World of Photonics 2025 (LWOP 2025), co-organized by European Photonics Industry Consortium (EPIC),? and is delivering a presentation at the Photonics Spectra Laser Optics Summit with the topic “Saying “CPO” and Meaning “Co-packaged micro-Optics” – CPO and its Enablers”.

Abstract

Silicon photonics (PIC) and external lasers sources (ELSFP) are the enabling technologies for upcoming co-packaged optics (CPO) for high-speed transceivers for the scale-up and scale-out in AI data centers. Focuslight designs and offers dedicated micro-optical components for PICs and ELS's to facilitate the manufacturing of efficient detachable optical interfaces and fiber array units (FAU). We are presenting the designs, technologies and key-components of microlenses, microprisms, and special micro-optics to enable and improve classical WDM designs as well as PIC-based CPO modules.

Advancing in Optical Communications

Focuslight is strategically focused on the optical communications market, with a strong presence in both telecommunications and data communications. Backed by a comprehensive suite of advanced micro- and nano-optics manufacturing technologies -- including Wafer-Level Simultaneously Structured Laser Optics Manufacturing, Photolithography-RIE (reactive ion etching) for Wafer-Level Precision Optics Manufacturing, Wafer-Level Optics (WLO) Precision Imprinting, as well as Precision Molding and Cold Processing -- Focuslight delivers tailored, precision, integrated micro-optics solutions for our global customers.

By enhancing the performance of optical components, our solutions significantly improve transmission efficiency in high-speed optical networks, reduce power consumption in data centers, and support ultra-low insertion loss and outstanding performance in next-generation communication systems. Driven by innovation, Focuslight is enabling the industry to overcome performance bottlenecks and accelerating the development of a more efficient, intelligent, and sustainable connectivity ecosystem -- shaping the future of optical communications.

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 Neuchatel 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.