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Innolume selects Veeco Gen2000 MBE system to expand quantum dot laser production

5 h ago

Innolume GmbH has purchased Veeco Instruments' GEN2000 molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) system to expand quantum dot laser production for next-generation optical transceivers and AI-driven data center interconnects, addressing surging demand for co-packaged optics in hyperscale AI infrastructure. The investment, announced 21 July 2026, supports Innolume's ramp in manufacturing capacity for quantum dot (QD) diode lasers, which offer superior temperature stability, low power consumption, and high reliability—key requirements for future silicon photonics and co-packaged optics (CPO) architectures. The GEN2000 MBE system, recognized for high throughput and low cost-of-ownership, will enable Innolume to meet growing customer demand as hyperscale AI and cloud computing drive optical connectivity needs. Market researcher LightCounting notes that CPO deployments are accelerating, with sales of optical transceivers using QD lasers projected to reach nearly $80 billion by 2031. QD lasers provide narrow spectral linewidth and low threshold current, making them ideal emitters for CPO. Innolume CEO Sven Rüger stated that the GEN2000 provides the production capacity, material quality, and manufacturing efficiency required for their technology roadmap. Veeco’s VP & general manager for MBE, Matthew Marek, emphasized that the investment underscores the rising importance of MBE-grown QD lasers. Additionally, Innolume is installing Veeco’s Spector ion beam deposition system to expand in-house coating capabilities for ultra-low-loss anti-reflective and highly reflective laser facet coatings, strengthening end-to-end photonic device manufacturing. This dual adoption of Veeco’s MBE and ion beam platforms highlights complementary process technologies for high-volume production.