Intel Jettisons Optical Components Blitz

Computer giant Intel has sold its optical components business to Cortina Systems for about $115 million; Intel will, however, maintain a minority stake in the business. The move follows in the wake of announcements of a restructuring plan that will involve the eventual loss of 10,500 from Intel via layoffs, attrition, and the sale of various business units. One question is what will happen to Intel's headline-making research in silicon photonics, including the hybrid silicon laser produced with the University of California at Santa Barbara (shown in photo).