text: 11 August 2020
  AOI’s laser production hits record 1.1 million units in July
  Applied Optoelectronics Inc (AOI) of Sugar Land, TX, USA – a designer and manufacturer of optical components, modules and equipment for fiber access networks in the Internet data-center, cable TV broadband, fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) and telecom markets – says that its production of laser diodes in July reached a record of over 1.1 million units, nearly 65% higher than pre-COVID levels.
  “AOI has been investing in capacity by adding additional production equipment, improving our manufacturing processes to increase yield and enhance quality, and adding staff,” says founder & CEO Dr Thompson Lin. “The result of this hard work and investment is that we’ve reached a significant milestone in terms of laser production capacity. The vast majority of our current laser production is 25G lasers, which are in high demand now in our data-center and telecom segments, including 5G wireless. This additional capacity will help us meet this increased demand,” he adds.
  “Having produced over 1.1 million tested and qualified lasers in the month of July is a significant step to achieve our near-term goal of producing 1.5 million lasers per month, which we expect to reach in Q4 of this year,” says Dr Fred Chang, senior VP & North America general manager. “Even more importantly, the significant improvements we’ve made in our manufacturing process have increased our manufacturing yield, which in many cases have also resulted in improved reliability that is critical for our customers.”