Forging Ahead In Immersion Cooling: A Hands-On Approach To Validating Optical Interfaces

Author: Peter Liu, VP Sales & Marketing, Formerica Optoelectronics; Dave Wagner, FAE, Formerica Optoelectronics Collection: 2023 Global Summit - Cooling Environments

Summary

This presentation introduces the newly formed OCP Immersion Component Validation workstream and describes its scope, governance, and test methodology, with optical cable interfaces as the initial focus. The workstream is a closed, invitation-based group operating under the OCP Contribution License Agreement. It was formed to address a critical gap: immersion cooling vendors and hyperscalers cannot commit to enterprise deployments without component warranties, and component manufacturers cannot provide warranties without standardized immersion validation protocols. The workstream fills this gap by defining and running those protocols.

The test protocol targets optical components at 85°C fluid temperature, 1.5 meters depth, for 2,000 hours with intermediate checkpoints at 168, 500, 1,000, and 2,000 hours. Measurements at each checkpoint include ΔTx Power, Eye Margin, and ΔRx Sensitivity. GRC (Green Revolution Cooling) is confirmed as a participating fluid/tank provider. The workstream seeks participation from optical and copper cable manufacturers, system integrators, fluid manufacturers, and tank enclosure suppliers. Formerica Optoelectronics is the lead organization and test facility.

The broader context is that optical cables are the highest-risk component class in immersion: they combine polymer jackets (potentially fluid-reactive), precision optical interfaces (sensitive to fluid contamination), and high-density routing (difficult to inspect or replace post-deployment). Validating these first creates a foundation for the more complex component qualification work to follow.