Presentation｜Realizing High Datarates in Datacenters – More Than Just Optical Challenges

On 25 February 2026, Dr. Wilfried Noell, Chief Scientist at Focuslight, is attending the upcoming EPIC Technology Meeting on Integrated Photonics and Packaging at PHIX, organized by EPIC (European Photonics Industry Consortium) and hosted by PHIX in Enschede, the Netherlands.

On the event, Dr. Wilfried Noell is presenting a tech talk titled “Realizing High Datarates in Datacenters – More Than Just Optical Challenges”.

Abstract

Current high-datarate transceivers and next-generation co-packaged optics (CPO) are facing challenges beyond traditional photonics and micro-optics. Assembly and packaging, high power and high-NA laser diodes and multi-row fiber connectors for very large channel and port counts are just a few of the requirements that OSATs and optical designers are dealing with now. Co-design has become paramount – it is not just optional anymore.

In this talk, Wilfried is exploring these complex challenges and highlighting the increasing importance of co-design approaches. He is also presenting solutions that is being developed to meet the demands of hyperscale environments, tackling challenges beyond “just” micro-optics.

Focuslight, a leading player in photonics, is at the forefront of developing innovative solutions for high-performance computing and data center applications. These solutions span from substrate materials, micro-optics, subassembly to process and packaging services, produced using a variety of manufacturing technologies under a globally integrated operations system, addressing the growing demands of reliability, efficiency, and scalability required for modern computing infrastructures.

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.