Finisar Corporation, now a wholly owned subsidiary of Coherent Corp. (formerly II-VI Incorporated), is a global leader in optical communication technology. Founded in 1987 by Jerry Rawls and Frank Levinson in Sunnyvale, California, Finisar pioneered innovations in fiber optics, enabling high-speed data transmission across industries. Acquired by II-VI in 2019 for $3.2 billion, Finisar’s legacy continues under Coherent, driving advancements in connectivity for data centers, telecommunications, and consumer electronics.

Innovative Solutions & Markets
Finisar designs and manufactures cutting-edge optical components, modules, and subsystems. Its product portfolio includes transceivers, wavelength management devices, optical amplifiers, and 3D sensing technologies. Notably, Finisar’s vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) arrays, vital for facial recognition in smartphones, garnered a $390 million investment from Apple in 2017, highlighting its role in consumer tech. The company also serves telecom networks with wavelength selective switches (WSS) and tunable transceivers, enhancing data efficiency and flexibility.

Strategic Milestones
Key milestones include its 1999 NASDAQ listing (FNSR) and the 2008 acquisition of Optium Corporation, expanding its telecom and datacom offerings. Finisar’s R&D prowess, evidenced by over 1,000 patents, underscores breakthroughs like reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexers (ROADMs) and energy-efficient transceivers.

Global Reach & Sustainability
With headquarters in Sunnyvale and manufacturing hubs in Malaysia, China, and Australia, Finisar combines global scalability with localized support. Its commitment to sustainability aligns with Coherent’s goals, focusing on eco-friendly processes and energy-efficient products.

Legacy & Vision
As part of Coherent, Finisar remains pivotal in advancing cloud infrastructure, 5G networks, and autonomous systems. Its mission to push optical innovation boundaries ensures critical support for tomorrow’s digital ecosystems, cementing its role as an enabler of next-generation connectivity.

Finisar’s journey from a Silicon Valley startup to a Coherent subsidiary reflects its enduring impact on global communication, blending technological excellence with visionary growth.