NeoPhotonics

NeoPhotonics Corporation, prior to its acquisition by Lumentum Holdings Inc., operated as a key developer and manufacturer of advanced photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and optoelectronic modules. Founded in 1996 by Tim Jenks and Sean Bi, the company established itself as a significant player in the high-speed communications network market. Tim Jenks, who served as Chairman and CEO, brought extensive experience in the optical components industry, having previously held leadership roles at E-TEK Dynamics and Raynet. This background was instrumental in navigating the company through the volatile telecommunications sector.

The company's core business centered on providing components that enable the high-speed transmission of data over fiber optic networks. Its product portfolio was geared towards the needs of network equipment manufacturers, who in turn supply telecommunication and data center operators. NeoPhotonics specialized in creating the foundational technology for coherent optical systems, which are essential for transmitting large amounts of data over long distances. Revenue was generated through the sale of these highly engineered components, which included a range of lasers, receivers, and switches designed for systems operating at speeds of 100G and above.

NeoPhotonics' products were integral to the functioning of modern internet infrastructure. Their offerings included narrow linewidth tunable lasers, which are critical for coherent transmission systems, and high-speed coherent receivers and modulators that convert electrical data signals into optical signals and back again. A key differentiator for the company was its vertical integration strategy; it designed and manufactured its own indium phosphide and silicon photonics-based PICs, giving it control over performance, quality, and cost. This capability allowed the firm to produce components that met the demanding performance requirements of next-generation networks. On August 1, 2022, Lumentum completed its acquisition of NeoPhotonics in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $918 million, integrating its high-speed optical components portfolio into Lumentum's offerings.

Keywords: photonic integrated circuits, optoelectronic modules, fiber optic components, coherent optical systems, telecommunications hardware, data center infrastructure, high-speed networks, indium phosphide, silicon photonics, tunable lasers