The Optical Fiber Communication Conference and Exposition (OFC) was hosted at the Los Angeles Convention Center from March 17-19, 2026. As the world’s largest annual event in optical communications, the OFC not only celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025 but also attracted interest at OFC 2026 due to the rise of generative AI technology. This year, over 706 industry leaders from 91 countries worldwide convened, along with 115 guest speakers and more than 17,800 attendees. Together, they addressed key global issues, including quantum networking, artificial intelligence (AI), space optics, and data center connectivity, to offer solutions.

Key Highlights

• Wide and Slow: Driven by the surge of generative AI, demand for high-speed optical communications is accelerating. Micro LEDs boast low power consumption of 1-2 pJ/bit, bandwidth density up to 20 Tbps/mm², and a low bit error rate (BER) of ≤10⁻¹⁵, making them well-positioned as a promising alternative to copper interconnects and the go-to solution for short-range, high-speed intra-rack connectivity in scale-up data center networking. In parallel, suppliers including Lumentum and Coherent are launching VCSEL NPO solutions to meet the short-reach transmission demand.
• Investment and R&D: To meet the bandwidth requirements beyond 1.6 Tbps, the industry has doubled its capacity of both EMLs and CW LDs, with some suppliers tripling production. Leading players such as Lumentum, Coherent, Mitsubishi Electric, and Sumitomo Electric are actively involved in increasing the optical output power of EML and CW LD products. In a parallel effort, Dexerials is scaling its photodiode production footprint to enhance product performance in terms of sensitivity and response time.
• Investment and R&D: To meet the bandwidth requirements beyond 1.6 Tbps, the industry has doubled its capacity of both EMLs and CW LDs, with some suppliers tripling production. Leading players such as Lumentum, Coherent, Mitsubishi Electric, and Sumitomo Electric are actively involved in increasing the optical output power of EML and CW LD products. In a parallel effort, Dexerials is scaling its photodiode production footprint to enhance product performance in terms of sensitivity and response time.

Table of Contents

1. Micro LED CPO
2. Infrared Optical Communications

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