News: Suppliers
26 January 2026
Oxford Instruments teams with AOI to boost InP-based opto device manufacturing
UK-based plasma processing solutions provider Oxford Instruments has announced a plasma equipment supply agreement with Applied Optoelectronics Inc (AOI) of Sugar Land, TX, USA (a designer and manufacturer of optical and hybrid fibre-coaxial networking products for AI data-centers, cable TV and broadband fiber access networks) for several etch and deposition cluster systems.
The agreement will support AOI’s expansion and technical advances in indium phosphide (InP) for optoelectronic device manufacturing, as it rapidly scales to increase production capacity within the USA.
As AOI undergoes a significant growth phase, it is upgrading its production capabilities to meet increasing demand for high-performance InP optoelectronic devices. Oxford Instruments’ plasma etch and deposition processing systems will play a key role in this transformation by supporting AOI with fully automated 3-4-6-inch capable production systems for InP processes.
“AOI is expanding its US manufacturing capacity in Texas to support demand for our optical transceivers in AI data centers, and key suppliers like Oxford Instruments will help us continue to upgrade our fully automated production line,” says Fred Chang, senior VP & North American general manager at AOI. “With our combined technology, we can speed the processing of multiple wafer sizes, ranging from 3- to 6-inches, while improving overall quality and reducing costs,” he adds.
“AOI has been a valued long-term partner, and we are thrilled to have earned their trust as the chosen supplier for their production expansion and technology upgrades. Our unique high-temperature Electrostatic Chuck (ESC) design, which enables advanced processing capabilities, was a key factor in their decision,” says Emiel Thijssen, VP of sales and business development USA, Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology. “AOI also conducted an extensive vendor qualification process, including a visit to our brand-new purpose-built manufacturing facility in Bristol, UK, where we received high praise for our technology and production capabilities,” he adds. “We are also investing significantly to ensure we continue to deliver world-class service capability in the Texas region, focusing on the availability of spares and expanding our field service and process engineering teams, to support the rapid expansion of leading manufacturers in the region such as AOI.”
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