Tech Disruptors Lumentum on Optics Shifts in AI Data Centers
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Mar 13, 2026 
Michael Hurlston, CEO of Lumentum and veteran semiconductor and optics executive, discusses optics shifting into AI data-center networking. He covers the move from telecom to hyperscalers, adapting components and systems, repurposing laser IP, and scaling optical solutions across and within data centers. Rapid product cycles and close customer co-development come up as key themes.
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Hurlston's Career Brought Him Back To Optics
- Michael Hurlston recounts his career from semiconductor startups to Finisar, Broadcom, Synaptics, and now Lumentum.
- He notes learning optics at Finisar, selling it to Coherent, then returning to optics amid the current market surge.
Hyperscalers Shortened Optics Product Cycles
- The customer base for optics shifted from telecom carriers to hyperscalers, compressing product and development cycles from years to months.
- Michael Hurlston contrasts past telecom timelines with today's hyperscaler pace, requiring much faster roadmaps and responsiveness.
Prioritize R&D With A Spending System
- Prioritize engineering and say no to lower-value projects to focus scarce R&D on high-growth opportunities.
- Hurlston implemented an engineering spend system from Synaptics to allocate resources and recently cut distractive projects.