About Enlightra
Enlightra, a deep-tech photonics startup headquartered in Renens, Switzerland, develops multi-channel laser sources based on microcombs, optical frequency combs generated in microring resonators. This technology targets optical interconnects, with a strong focus on high-bandwidth data transmission in data centers.
As demand for AI, cloud computing, and high-speed data infrastructure continues to grow, optical interconnects become increasingly important for moving massive amounts of data faster and more efficiently. Enlightra’s comb laser platform addresses this need by providing multiple optical channels from a compact source.
Enlightra has developed O-band comb laser technology for AI optical interconnect applications, highlighting its relevance for large-scale data-center and AI cluster networks.
When working with comb lasers, the ability to accurately visualize and validate output spectra is paramount. Enlightra’s expertise encompasses simulation, design, characterization, and packaging, with the shared goal of delivering a comb laser satisfying customer requirements.
The Challenge
Background
Comb lasers distinguish themselves from other technologies through their precisely spaced optical lines. For Enlightra’s customers in the optical interconnect and data communication space, these lines must be clearly characterized. Key metrics include the number of channels, channel spacing, channel power, relative intensity noise (RIN), and operation across relevant telecom and datacom bands.
In Enlightra’s R&D lab, two Yokogawa optical spectrum analyzers provide the resolution and dynamic range needed for microcomb testing. These instruments play a vital role in validating the number of comb lines, the line spacing, power-per-line, and power variation between lines.
Enlightra also regularly provides live demonstrations of its comb lasers at exhibitions, where portable field instruments may lack the optical performance of a laboratory setup.
“In addition to providing the requisite number of channels at the desired power levels and flatness, our comb-lasers must also possess a large optical signal to noise ratio to support error-free data transmission in next generation AI data centers.”
John Jost, Co-CEO
The challenge
For Enlightra, accurate optical spectrum analysis is critical because its comb lasers must meet the demanding specifications of optical interconnect applications. Performance metrics include 8–32 comb lines, 100–800 GHz spacing, greater than 7 dBm power-per-line, and RIN of -145 dBc/Hz across both C-band and O-band systems.
Achieving fast sweep speed without compromising optical resolution constitutes a key challenge. Enlightra characterizes thousands of frequency-comb chips, and long measurement times would reduce throughput. Simultaneously, high resolution enables the resolution of dense comb lines across a wide wavelength range.
The challenge also lies in maintaining this level of measurement clarity and confidence outside the lab, especially when presenting the technology to potential customers. The 0.1 nm resolution and high noise floor of previously used portable field instruments could distort comb lines, suppress peak power readings, and mask low-noise performance.
Consequently, the measurements did not always reflect the true quality of Enlightra’s comb lasers. For a start-up developing advanced photonic technology, this instrumentation gap created both a technical and business challenge. The team needed to make laser features clearly visible and immediately demonstrate performance, without having to explain measurement setup limitations.
The Solution
Application requirements
Enlightra needed an optical spectrum analyzer to replicate its R&D lab performance and showcase the features of its O-band datacom comb lasers in a temporary, high-pressure trade show environment. For engaging, interactive demonstrations, the instrument needed to combine fast operation with high resolution, excellent optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR), and large dynamic range.
Yokogawa’s AQ6370E OSA which offers over a wavelength range of 600 nm to 1700 nm
Measurement solution
To verify that a frequency comb delivers the required performance, engineers rely on an optical spectrum analyzer to measure power-per-line, flatness, frequency spacing, and OSNR. For Enlightra, the ideal tool combines high optical resolution with fast sweep speeds of less than one second over a 100–200 nm wavelength span, without degradation in optical resolution.
The Yokogawa AQ6370 meets these requirements while also offering broad wavelength coverage from the visible to the mid-infrared region. Its user-friendly interface supports fast, efficient characterization during both development and customer demonstrations. The chosen instrument enables Enlightra to visualize and validate comb laser performance with laboratory-level fidelity.
Its 0.02 nm resolution enables clear separation of individual comb lines, while the 70 dB dynamic range reveals a clean noise floor between channels. These qualities make it well suited for assessing comb spectra, power levels, and OSNR across O-band datacom and C-band telecom systems.
With Yokogawa optical spectrum analyzers, Enlightra can confidently verify key laser characteristics. These measurements provide reliable quantitative feedback during development and help ensure performance aligns with customer requirements and datasheet specifications.
The same measurement fidelity also proves valuable when presenting the technology externally. With the AQ6370, Enlightra can show high-fidelity output spectra with strong visual clarity, making the key features of its comb lasers immediately visible to customers. Its consistent interface and reliable operation help engineers move quickly from setup to measurement, with minimal configuration effort.
“In the frequency comb space, Yokogawa is the gold standard. Choosing its spectrum analyzers ensures that our data is immediately trusted and recognized.”
“Our experience with the two Yokogawa systems in our lab shows that these analyzers are robust, hold their calibration well, and offer a seamless user experience.”
Hanae Zegmout, Lead Photonic Designer
Results
AQ6370: Laboratory-grade optical measurement strengthens laser demonstrations
Enlightra relies on Yokogawa optical spectrum analyzers in its R&D lab to characterize and validate the spectral performance of its comb lasers throughout the development process. With 0.02 nm resolution and a 70 dB dynamic range, the instrument enables engineers to precisely analyze key laser parameters such as channel spacing and width and channel-to-channel power uniformity.
This robust measurement capability allows Enlightra to verify that its systems meet demanding performance targets across both O-band datacom and C-band telecom wavelengths. Measurements capture the 8 to 32 comb lines with 100 to 800 GHz spacing and quantify the high power-per-line exceeding 7 dBm, and large OSNR.
For Enlightra, the primary benefit comes from measurement confidence. The AQ6370 provides the exceptional resolution and dynamic range needed to unambiguously validate spectra and make informed engineering decisions.
Overall, the Yokogawa AQ6370 ensured the precise measurement of Enlightra’s advanced comb-laser technology, allowing the team to deliver high-impact live demonstrations and provide definitive performance validation.
“The Yokogawa spectrum analyzer gives us the measurement clarity we rely on in our R&D lab and makes it possible to show our comb lasers with the resolution and credibility they deserve. It provides us with immediate visual proof of the performance behind our technology.”
Mustafa Kangül, Senior R&D Engineer
The benefits of the AQ6370E include:
Performance
Excellent optical wavelength resolution, accuracy and close-in dynamic range specifications allow optical signals even in narrow bandwidth to be clearly separated and accurately measured.
Productivity
Smart technology and functionality such as an intuitive touchscreen, automated wavelength calibration, optimized sweep speed and dedicated application set-up menus allow users to operate the OSA efficiently.
Expertise
For more than 40 years, Yokogawa’s development and product teams have been listening to the needs of OSA users, refining product range to provide them with innovative and effective measurement tools.
