ClassOne Technology's Solstice S8 System to Help Applied Optoelectronics Meet Rising AI Data Center Demand

ClassOne Technology is providing its Solstice S8 single-wafer processing system to Applied Optoelectronics to help meet rising demand for AI data center components. The Solstice S8 will be configured for gold electroplating and single-wafer metal lift-off processes on 3- and 4-inch indium phosphide substrates. This will enable AOI to scale production efficiently while maintaining device performance. ClassOne's CEO Byron Exarcos said the Solstice S8 is engineered for high-volume compound semiconductor processing and ideal for critical steps like gold plating and metal lift-off on InP substrates.

Applied Optoelectronics Inc. (AOI; Nasdaq: AAOI) has announced a strategic partnership with ClassOne Technology to enhance its production capabilities for advanced optoelectronic components. The collaboration involves the deployment of ClassOne's Solstice S8 single-wafer processing system, aimed at addressing the rising demand for AI data center components.

The Solstice S8 system is designed for gold (Au) electroplating and single-wafer metal lift-off (MLO) processes on 3- and 4-inch indium phosphide (InP) substrates. InP is a critical material for producing highly efficient and high-performance optoelectronic devices, such as laser diodes and optical transceivers, due to its direct bandgap that allows for efficient light emission and absorption [1].

Stephen Hu, deputy director of wafer and chip production at AOI, highlighted the importance of scaling production efficiently while maintaining device performance. "The rapid ramp in demand from AI-driven data centers has made it essential for us to scale production efficiently while maintaining the highest possible device performance," he stated [1].

Byron Exarcos, CEO of ClassOne Technology, expressed his enthusiasm about supporting AOI's expansion into the AI infrastructure market. "The Solstice S8 is engineered for high-volume compound semiconductor processing, and its flexibility and automation make it ideal for critical steps like gold plating and metal lift-off on InP substrates," he added [1].

This strategic move by AOI underscores the increasing importance of optical interconnects in the fast-growing AI and high-speed data processing markets. As generative AI and high-speed data processing drive exponential growth in optical interconnect requirements, AOI is positioning itself to meet these demands effectively.

References:
[1] https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/08/12/3131773/0/en/Applied-Optoelectronics-Chooses-ClassOne-Technology-s-Solstice-S8-System-to-Help-Meet-Rising-AI-Data-Center-Demand.html