Episode Details

When AI data centers hit the limits of copper, lasers and optics become the real growth story. In this condensed recap of Sourcery, Molly O'Shea sits down with Lumentum CEO Michael Hurlston at the Rays conference in Paris to unpack how the company tripled revenue, why investors are betting on optical connectivity, and what the shift from electrical signaling to light-based transmission means for hyperscalers. You’ll learn why heat, distance, and scale are pushing data centers toward indium phosphide-based devices, why manufacturing bottlenecks matter, and why Hurlston sees this as a structural change rather than a short-term cycle. The conversation also touches on defense, consumer tech, space networks, and the geopolitics of U.S.-centered supply chains. Get the key ideas from the full interview in a minutes-long listen now to get the key ideas in minutes.