Heraeus Covantics Collaborates with Microsoft to Scale Breakthrough Hollow Core Fiber Technology for the AI Era
The rapid rise of AI-driven applications and cloud computing is creating unprecedented demand for faster, more reliable, and higher-capacity networks. Meeting this challenge requires breakthrough innovation – and Hollow Core Fiber (HCF) is one such transformative technology.
To meet the global scale needed, Microsoft Azure has collaborated with Heraeus Covantics, combining Microsoft’s vision for next-generation digital infrastructure with HCT’s leadership in materials science and industrial-scale manufacturing.
Heraeus Covantics greatly values the trust Azure has placed in our expertise and capabilities. It shows how close collaboration can accelerate the adoption of disruptive innovations like HCF and deliver tangible benefits to global industries.
Together, both companies aim to increase the fiber production of HCF into large-scale deployment within the Azure network, delivering the speed, reliability, and capacity needed for the AI era.
Hollow Core Fiber
Unlike conventional solid-core fiber (SCF), where light travels through glass, HCF guides light through an air-filled core. This fundamental change in design reduces resistance and signal degradation, unlocking key performance benefits:
- Up to 47% faster data transmission, approaching the physical speed limit for light and information.
- Significantly lower signal loss, with attenuation demonstrated at <0.1 dB/km in the C-band, compared to ~0.14 dB/km for today’s best SCF (link: Nature Photonics).
- Improved bandwidth rates, allowing dramatically higher data throughput (link: Nature Photonics).
- Higher power tolerance, preventing nonlinearities and material damage.
These advantages enable ultra-low latency, highly reliable, and high-capacity networks — essential for AI-driven workloads, cloud computing, and future data-intensive services.
Microsoft has shared more about this transformative technology and the collaboration in a recent blog post — read it here.
Our Contributions at Heraeus Covantics
Heraeus Covantics has over a decade of experience in HCF development, starting with collaboration with the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) at the University of Southampton, later advancing the technology with Lumenisity before its acquisition by Microsoft.
With a century of experience in high-purity quartz glass and four decades of expertise in fiber-optic applications, Heraeus Covantics brings deep materials science knowledge and advanced manufacturing capabilities.
Dr. Jan Vydra, Executive Vice President Fiber Optics at Heraeus Covantics, said:
“We are ready to scale this transformative technology to significant volumes. Our teams apply glass making, tube, and preform know-how to solve complex engineering challenges and ensure consistent, reliable, high-volume production of HCF. With our technological expertise and innovative strength, we are committed to driving the rapid evolution of next-generation datacom networks.”
To meet the fast-growing global demand, the company is leveraging the combined capabilities of specialized production sites across Europe and the U.S.. This global footprint allows Heraeus Covantics to scale production rapidly, supporting Microsoft Azure’s network expansion and delivering the performance and volume required for next-generation AI and cloud connectivity.
“At Heraeus Covantics, our goal is to transform cutting-edge ideas into scalable solutions that create lasting impact. This collaboration reflects our commitment to driving innovation in next-generation connectivity and demonstrates how strong collaborations can accelerate progress for industries worldwide.” said Dr. Nikolas Pojezny, co-President of with Heraeus Covantics.
Learn more about Microsoft’s and ORC’s latest achievements in a recent publication in Nature Photonics: