Optics Daily · Wednesday, October 14, 2026
opticsnews
NVIDIA and Cisco Jointly Define USFP, a 400G-per-Lane Pluggable Optical Module
NVIDIA and Cisco have announced the USFP ultra-dense small-form-factor pluggable optical module program, offering 400Gb/s per lane for next-generation AI factory networks; UK silicon photonics company Salience Labs has closed a $125 million Series B round to expand optical circuit switch development; a self-aligned dual-pump scheme offers a new route to frequency combs.
Technology & Research
Optics & Photonics NewsOptics industrySelf-Aligned Dual-Pump Scheme Opens New Path for Optical Frequency Combs
Scientists in the US and New Zealand have demonstrated a new type of frequency comb based on a dual-pump laser. Using a self-alignment mechanism, the approach could help move frequency comb technology from a niche to broader applications. Miro Erkintalo of the University of Auckland took part in the research.
Optica: New Model Makes Lighting Design Better Suited to Aging Eyes
Researchers have developed a model that accounts for age-related changes in color vision and simulates different lighting configurations to improve color perception for older adults. The results were published by Optica on October 13, 2026.
Industry & Capital
optics.org (SPIE Industry News)Optics industryOptics and AIUK Silicon Photonics Firm Salience Labs Raises $125 Million Series B
UK-based silicon photonics company Salience Labs has closed a $125 million Series B round to scale development of optical circuit switch (OCS) technology and ease network bottlenecks in AI data centers.
Policy, Standards & Conferences
NVIDIA and Cisco Jointly Define New USFP Pluggable Optical Module
NVIDIA and Cisco on October 12 jointly announced plans for the USFP (Ultra-Small Form-factor Pluggable) optical module, a high-density pluggable with 400Gb/s per lane, aimed at the scaling needs of next-generation AI factory networks and helping control network complexity, power consumption and cost as connection counts grow.