Coherent Expands Pluggable Optical Line Systems Portfolio with Full C-Band Amplification to Enable AI Datacenter Networks
SAXONBURG, Pa., Sept. 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Coherent Corp. (NYSE: OHR), the global leader in photonics, today announced the expansion of its Pluggable Optical Line System (POLS) portfolio, with the full C-band, high-power variable-gain amplifier optical line system in a compact QSFP form factor. Designed for the latest generation of 800G ZR/ZR+ digital coherent optics, the enhanced POLS supports up to 32 DWDM wavelengths over a single fiber pair, enabling as much as 25.6Tbps of AI datacenter traffic across links from 2km to 200km.
Targeting the high-capacity interconnect requirements of Internet Service and Cloud Hosting Providers, and AI infrastructure operators, the enhanced POLS integrates key optical transport functions into QSFP modules that plug directly into standard transceiver slots. Thanks to Coherent’s high-performance miniature optical components, including dual-chip micropump lasers, POLS provides 21dBm output power, variable gain, low power consumption, and autonomous plug-and-play operation. Auto-provisioning manages link configuration and laser safety, while fixed wavelength and colorless MUX/DMUX options and asymmetric optical connectors simplify deployment and help prevent fiber-connection errors.
"As AI infrastructure scales, customers require optical connectivity that combines greater capacity, operational simplicity, and deployment flexibility," said Madhu Krishnaswamy, Senior Vice President, Telecom Transport Business Unit at Coherent. “Since we first introduced POLS, Coherent has continued to advance the ultra-compact optical components that enable this platform, including our dual-chip 700mW uncooled 3-pin 980nm pump laser and isolator-tap photodiode technology. By extending plug-and-play operation across the full C-band, we are helping customers reduce the traditional tradeoffs between performance and operational simplicity. This advancement represents another important step toward more automated, open, and high-capacity optical networks for the AI era.”
The enhanced POLS is generally available and shipped in high volume. Coherent offers versions supporting 400G and 800G ZR and ZR+ applications with either SFF-8636 or CMIS 4.0 memory maps, enabling straightforward deployment in existing network environments.
Visitors to ECOC 2026 are invited to experience the latest POLS technology at the Coherent Booth #2100. Additional product information is available at www.coherent.com.
About Coherent
Coherent is the global photonics leader. We harness photons to drive innovation. Industry leaders in the datacenter, communications, and industrial markets rely on Coherent’s world-leading technology to fuel their own innovation and growth.
Founded in 1971 and operating in more than 20 countries, Coherent brings the industry’s broadest, deepest technology stack; unmatched supply chain resilience; and global scale to help its customers solve their toughest technology challenges. For more information, visit us at coherent.com.
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