Lumentum, Astera Labs, and Corning to Demonstrate 1060 nm VCSEL-Based PCIe over Optics for AI Rack-Scale Connectivity at the 2026 OCP Global Summit
Key Highlights
- ➤Joint demonstration combines Lumentum 1060 nm VCSEL optics, Astera Labs Scorpio switch, and Corning fiber
- ➤Proof-of-concept targets multiple 32 Gb/s NRZ optical channels and error-free PCIe-5 connectivity
- ➤Optical architecture addresses rack-scale AI reach, cable density, signal integrity, power, and thermal constraints
- ➤Astera Labs demonstrates Scorpio Smart Fabric Switch extending PCIe connectivity within AI racks
- ➤Demonstration runs at Astera Labs booth B34 during October 12-15 OCP Global Summit
Expert Statements
Matt Sysak, Chief Technology Officer, Lumentum
“AI infrastructure is pushing optical connectivity closer to the compute system where reach, density, and power represent significant challenges”
Matt Sysak, Chief Technology Officer, Lumentum
“This demonstration with Astera Labs and Corning shows how Lumentum's 1060 nm VCSEL platform can extend PCIe connectivity and unlock a whole new class of functionality.”
Adit Narasimha, Senior Vice President, Signal Connectivity Group, Astera Labs
“As AI clusters scale to unprecedented levels, we are breaking the constraints of single rack-level architectures”
Adit Narasimha, Senior Vice President, Signal Connectivity Group, Astera Labs
“This demonstration shows how VCSEL-based front-end optics are enabled by Astera Labs' Scorpio Smart Fabric Switch and COSMOS link intelligence to deliver lower latency, improve power efficiency, increase bandwidth density, and overcome connectivity bottlenecks across rack-scale AI systems.”
Claude Echahamian, Vice President and General Manager, Emerging Businesses and EMEA, Corning Optical Communications
“As optical links move closer to compute devices, fiber connectivity must support increasing density, precision, and scalability”
Claude Echahamian, Vice President and General Manager, Emerging Businesses and EMEA, Corning Optical Communications
“Corning’s multimode fiber solutions and industry-leading MMC connectivity help enable this demonstration and support the evolution of high-density optical interconnects for AI infrastructure. As AI clusters continue to grow in size and complexity, Corning is committed to developing fiber and connectivity technologies that enable emerging compute networks and smart fabric architectures.”
Lumentum, Astera Labs, and Corning to Demonstrate 1060 nm VCSEL-Based PCIe over Optics for AI Rack-Scale Connectivity at the 2026 OCP Global Summit
Joint rack-level demonstration combines Astera Labs Scorpio Smart Fabric Switch, Lumentum high-density VCSEL optical interconnect platform, and Corning multimode fiber connectivity
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