Innolume Highlights from ECOC 2026
Innolume joined ECOC 2026 in Málaga from 20 to 24 September. At stand 1137, we showed DFB lasers, semiconductor optical amplifiers and frequency comb lasers. The event gave us a chance to discuss how these devices are used in optical communication systems and what customers need as projects move toward series production.
Our technology also appeared beyond our stand. Yokogawa demonstrated an Innolume 25 GHz comb laser at its stand using the AQ6380 optical spectrum analyzer. Solinide Photonics showcased a 200 GHz microcomb incorporating an Innolume DFB laser and SOA. At the ESTEL stand, a module containing two Innolume DFB lasers formed part of a PAM4 demonstration for 800G applications. Dublin City University presented research involving Innolume SOAs in a poster on a 400 Gb/s IM/DD PON with a power budget exceeding 30 dB.
Our colleague Stanislav Ročas presented "Semiconductor Optical Amplifier for WDM and High-Power Applications", showing that one quantum-dot epitaxial wafer can serve two different classes of O-band amplifier. One device amplified four 100 Gb/s PAM4 channels simultaneously, the other delivered 900 mW ex-fiber in a butterfly module.
On 24 September, Alexey Kovsh gave an industry update at the Global Photonics Economic Forum 2026, titled “Densification. Integration. Lasers/Arrays on-PIC Integration.” He discussed how the growing density of optical interconnects is increasing demand for the integration of lasers and laser arrays with photonic integrated circuits. His talk addressed practical barriers to volume production, including thermal management, component alignment, back reflections and device reliability, and explored the potential of quantum dot lasers in integrated systems.
ECOC gave us the chance to continue productive conversations with customers and partners about the serial production of DFB lasers and other laser diodes. These discussions are particularly timely as we expand our manufacturing capacity in Dortmund. Work on our new production facility is progressing, with installation of the first major equipment planned to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026 and production expected to ramp up gradually during 2027. Investments in additional MBE capacity and coating equipment will further support the development and manufacture of our GaAs-based Quantum Dot and Quantum Well devices.
One clear takeaway from the exhibition was growing interest in “wide and slow” comb lasers sources that combine broad optical bandwidth with relatively small spacing between comb lines. The conversations around these requirements will help guide our ongoing comb laser development and future discussions with system designers.
Thank you to everyone who visited us in Málaga, joined a presentation or showed Innolume devices in their demonstrations. We look forward to continuing the conversations started at ECOC 2026.
