NorthLab Photonics enables its clients to realize tomorrow’s photonics technology by providing advanced solutions for handling and processing optical fibers in both research and development environments and production lines. The company combines specialized equipment, technical expertise, and application know‑how to support the full lifecycle of fiber‑based innovation.
NorthLab’s offering spans a wide range of technologies, including fiber Bragg grating (FBG) manufacturing solutions, combiner manufacturing stations, tapering, end‑cap manufacturing, cleaving, stripping, fusion splicing, inspection and testing, as well as recoating and packaging. A key strength of the company lies in its strong focus on specialty fibers, such as hollow‑core fibers, doped fibers, large‑diameter fibers, photonic crystal fibers (PCF), polarization‑maintaining (PM) fibers, and multicore fibers.
Advanced Fiber Processing Technologies on Display
At OPD2026, NorthLab Photonics will present its latest technologies for fiber preparation, including cleaning, stripping, and cleaving solutions designed to ensure precise and reliable processing results. The company will also showcase advanced fusion splicerscompatible with challenging fiber types such as laser diode (LD) fibers, hollow‑core fibers, and PCF.
In addition, NorthLab will highlight its glass processing equipment, covering tapering, combiner manufacturing, and end‑cap splicing, as well as recoating solutions and technologies for FBG manufacturing. These solutions are designed to simplify fiber handling and processing in both R&D and full‑scale production, helping customers improve yield, increase throughput, and bring innovations efficiently into practical use.
Recent Technology Highlights
One of NorthLab’s recent highlights is the ProView Theta solution, developed for the inspection, characterization, and alignment of structured fibers, including hollow‑core, PCF, and multicore fibers. At OPD2026, the system will be demonstrated in combination with the S185 PM fusion splicer from the company’s partner FITEL.
Another key solution is the ProCleave HS‑MP, designed for efficient and precise end‑cap manufacturing. These technologies reflect NorthLab’s focus on simplifying complex fiber processes while maintaining high precision and repeatability.
Growth Driven by AI and Defense Applications
NorthLab Photonics is currently experiencing strong growth driven by AI and defense‑related applications. In particular, the company’s expertise in preparing, aligning, and splicing hollow‑core fibers plays a crucial role for organizations building the infrastructure required for current and future AI technologies.
These applications demand high levels of accuracy, process stability, and repeatability—areas where NorthLab’s specialized fiber processing solutions provide significant value.
Over the next one to three years, NorthLab aims to grow alongside its customers while remaining at the forefront of optical fiber handling and processing. The company continues to focus on advancing capabilities across preparation, splicing, shaping, inspection, FBG manufacturing, and packaging and recoating technologies.
NorthLab sees continued opportunities in areas such as AI infrastructure development, high‑power fiber applications for civil and defense use, and multicore fiber technologies for submarine communication networks, among other emerging fields.
Meet NorthLab Photonics at OPD2026
NorthLab Photonics considers the Finnish market highly important and recognizes that many Finnish companies are operating at the forefront of photonics technology. By participating in OPD2026 as a Gold Sponsor, the company aims to strengthen its presence in Finland and expand its network of partners and customers in the region.
NorthLab invites all OPD2026 participants to visit its booth, regardless of their specific fiber application. The company thrives on complex and demanding challenges, particularly those involving advanced or specialty optical fibers.
Visitors are encouraged to discuss their needs and explore how NorthLab can serve as a long‑term partner, providing the tools, machines, and instruments required for both innovation and production.