Enlightra x TofuPilot: Photonic Testing

Enlightra builds multicolor comb lasers for data center optical interconnects, enabling 100x faster data transfer and 10x less energy. They went from EPFL research lab to Y Combinator-backed production, and they use TofuPilot to manage their test data along the way.

The Problem

Photonic devices require validation across optical performance, thermal characteristics, and electrical interfaces. Each prototype has dozens of precision components with tight tolerances. Before TofuPilot, the Enlightra team was dealing with:

• Test data scattered across multiple instruments and file formats
• Manual correlation between design specs and measured performance
• Inconsistent protocols making results hard to compare across builds
• Limited traceability from results back to component batches

We needed a systematic approach to test data management that could scale with our development velocity. TofuPilot provided the infrastructure we needed to maintain engineering rigor while moving fast.

— Johana Bernasconi, Lead Engineer at Enlightra

What They Built

Within two days the team had:

• Prototype traceability: Each device build linked to component batch records, assembly procedures, and design revisions
• Standardized test protocols: Consistent validation sequences with automated parameter logging across engineers
• Automated analysis: Direct correlation between measured performance and specifications with pass/fail determination

The Result

When optical power measurements showed variation across device batches, the team could trace issues to specific manufacturing steps and suppliers. That level of traceability wasn't possible before.

The visibility into our test data has changed how we approach design iterations. We can now make data-driven decisions about design changes and identify optimization opportunities that weren't visible before.

— Johana Bernasconi, Lead Engineer at Enlightra

TofuPilot now manages Enlightra's complete validation pipeline: component characterization, packaged device testing, and system-level integration. Test data flows automatically from instruments into structured records, with no manual transcription.

If your team is scaling from lab to production, we'd love to hear how we can help.