APC Says Let There Be Light, With Raft of Standards to Speed Up Photonics Manufacturing
The Next Platform, Friday, October 23rd, 2026
The Advanced Photonics Coalition approved standards for high-volume optical manufacturing as optical component shortages loom.
The Advanced Photonics Coalition has approved a set of manufacturing, interface and test standards meant to enable high-volume production of optical networking gear, as AI data centers hit copper's reach and power limits.
Lumentum says its indium phosphide optical components are sold out through 2029, and China's role in indium phosphide supply adds geopolitical risk.
The article warns that optical parts could face the kind of shortages and price spikes already hitting DRAM and flash.
APC says common practices will support multiple sourcing and broader supplier participation.