3M joins tech leaders to set open standards for AI optical connectivity with expanded beam technology.

3M has partnered with major technology companies to create a multi-source agreement (MSA) aimed at developing open, interoperable standards for expanded beam optical (EBO) connectivity in AI infrastructure. This technology promises improved reliability, easier maintenance, and better performance in dense data center environments, which are crucial as AI deployments scale rapidly. The MSA will help standardize EBO connector specifications, accelerating the deployment of high-performance optical interconnects necessary for AI data centers. This collaboration supports the growth of a diverse supplier ecosystem and advances data center innovation through open, scalable solutions.