The 27th China International Optoelectronic Exposition (CIOE 2026) was held from September 9 to 11, 2026, at the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center in Bao’an, Shenzhen. Fujian Z.K. Litecore Co., Ltd. (“Litecore”) presented laser products and solutions for AI cluster interconnects and next-generation optical networks, supported by vertically integrated capabilities spanning epitaxial growth, chip design and fabrication, device packaging, and testing. Its portfolio includes 1310 nm CW lasers in 70, 100, 200, and 400 mW power classes, 100G PAM4 EMLs, and Nano iTLAs. These products target scale-up, scale-out, and scale-across architectures, with applications in 400G, 800G, 1.6T and future higher-speed links, CPO/NPO, silicon photonics, and coherent transmission.

At the show, Litecore highlighted three live demonstrations: a 1310 nm 400 mW CW laser, a C+L-band Nano iTLA, and an ultra-narrow-linewidth external-cavity laser (ECL). Together, they illustrated the company’s product coverage, manufacturing platform, and delivery readiness for data communications, telecom transport, automotive LiDAR, and fiber-sensing applications.

Product Highlight 1  1310 nm 400 mW CW Laser

As AI computing clusters continue to scale, CPO and silicon-photonics platforms require external light sources with higher output power, lower noise, stronger thermal stability, and proven reliability. Litecore’s 1310 nm 400 mW CW laser uses a proprietary InP multiple-quantum-well (MQW) buried-waveguide design. The platform combines high side-mode suppression ratio (SMSR), high slope efficiency, low relative intensity noise (RIN), and stable high-temperature performance. It is available in 70, 100, 200, and 400 mW power classes and supports CWDM4 and other multi-wavelength plans for 800G and 1.6T silicon-photonics modules, CPO external laser sources, automotive LiDAR, and related sensing applications. Product samples are being evaluated with customers.

Product Highlight 2  C+L-Band Nano iTLA

To address spectrum constraints in G.652 fiber networks, Litecore demonstrated the dynamic tuning capability of its compact C+L-band Nano iTLA. The product covers 1524–1572 nm in the C band and 1575–1626 nm in the L band. It delivers output power up to 17 dBm in the C band and 16 dBm in the L band, with a typical linewidth below 50 kHz and RIN below -150 dB/Hz.

Extending operation from the C band to the C+L bands can nearly double the usable optical spectrum and potential per-fiber capacity under comparable channel spacing and modulation conditions. The product is intended for coherent backbone and data-center interconnect (DCI) systems that require a wide tuning range, narrow linewidth, and high output power.

Product Highlight 3  Ultra-Narrow-Linewidth ECL

Light-source linewidth is an important performance parameter in coherent communications and precision sensing. Litecore demonstrated its proprietary ultra-narrow-linewidth ECL, developed through coordinated work on the gain chip and external-cavity optical design. The device achieves a linewidth below 3 kHz, providing a source option for systems that require long coherence length and stable single-mode operation.

The laser uses a standard 14-pin butterfly package and covers 1530–1565 nm across the C band. It supports operation from -5°C to 65°C and wavelength stability better than ±1 pm. Its external-cavity feedback and mode-selection design combines narrow linewidth, stable single-longitudinal-mode operation, and usable output power. Target applications include coherent communications, LiDAR, fiber sensing, precision instrumentation, and selected quantum-photonics research platforms.

From Product Demonstrations to Customer Qualification

Beyond the three featured products, Litecore presented a broader portfolio for data communications, telecom transport, automotive LiDAR, and sensing. The company’s IDM platform covers epitaxial growth, micro- and nanofabrication, chip processing, device packaging, and automated testing. During CIOE 2026, the Litecore team met with customers and ecosystem partners to discuss product qualification, technical collaboration, and follow-up visits, creating concrete next steps for sample testing and project evaluation.

Focused on photonics and committed to progress with its partners, Litecore continues to pursue independent innovation and disciplined chipmaking. The company aims to translate technology advances into reliable, competitive products for next-generation optical interconnects and other photonic applications.