Japanese and British researchers have shattered the global record for fiber optic transmissions using commercially available fibers, achieving a groundbreaking milestone in telecommunications. Staff have successfully expanded fibre’s communication capacity, enabling data transmission four times faster than current industrial standards and a remarkable 33% beyond the previous global record.
Their groundbreaking achievement stems in part from the innovative application of optical amplifiers, which enables them to boost signals across various communication frequencies, a capability typically reserved for more specialized fiber-optic technologies. According to Dr., chief senior researcher at the Nationwide Institute of Info and Communications Know-how in Koganei, Japan, “It’s essentially just additional bandwidth.”
Researchers led by Puttnam have built their telecommunications hardware stack using a combination of optical amplifiers and custom-developed equipment, including contributions from both UK-based NCC Group and Hong Kong-based firm, II-VI. The assembly features six individual optical amplifiers capable of boosting signals through the conventional C-band, as well as lesser-used L-, S-, and E-bands. E-band falls within the millimeter wave spectrum, while S-band, C-band, and L-band occupy the short-wavelength infrared range.
Collectively, the combination of E, S, C, and L bands enables the innovative technology to propel an astonishing 402 terabits per second (Tbps) through existing fiber-optic cables already embedded in the ground and spanning beneath the oceans. Far surpassing its competitors in terms of sheer spectacle.
Terabytes per second? The world’s most advanced industrial processes operate at a speed of 100 terabytes per second, insists Puttnam. “We’ve already achieved roughly four times more instances than before. Notably, earlier this year, a team of researchers at a Birmingham-based institution made headlines by setting a new record, leveraging similar technology to our joint Japanese-British collaboration, and benefiting from shared researcher expertise between the two teams.”
By pushing existing infrastructure to its limits, it’s theoretically possible to extract additional bandwidth from current cables, even leveraging established technologies like E-band, S-band, C-band, and L-band.
“When all components are optimally aligned, every gap filled, and channels maximized to their highest potential, Sir Timothy Puttnam suggests that a data rate of 600 Tbps may be the ultimate ceiling.”
Attending to 402 Tbps—or 600
In reality, the “C” in C-band denotes “centric,” not “typical.” Nonetheless, it’s true that C-band has historically been the go-to frequency range for fibre optic communications due to its advantageous properties, including exceptionally low signal loss through the fibre. “Fiber loss increases significantly as you move further away from the C-band region,” Puttnam explains.
While the E-band’s properties are reminiscent of those responsible for the sky’s blueness and sunsets’ reddish hue, this same effect significantly impairs the fibre’s transparency in the infrared spectrum, particularly in these specific regions. On dense or low-visibility nights, robust amplification of indicator signals in the E-, S-, and L-frequency bands is crucial for optimal performance of the ESCL (Enhanced Sensing and Communication Link) system.
“The world’s most advanced industrial technologies boast processing speeds of up to 100 terabits per second.” We’re currently achieving approximately four times more instances.
Prior attempts to boost fiber optic bandwidths have commonly employed Dynamic Frequency Amplification (DFA), whereby an optical signal is injected into a section of fiber infused with a rare-earth ion, such as Erbium. As the pump laser illuminates the fiber, the dopant molecules within its core become excited, elevating their energy levels to higher powers. This amplification process occurs as photons from the optical signal passing through the fiber stimulate emission from the doped material, thereby enabling further transmission. The result’s a stronger (i.e. As the signal exits the DFA fiber stretcher, it is amplified to a level greater than that of the original input signal.
The dopant of choice for the E band is bismuth. Although bismuth-based detectors offer the least desirable option for amplifying E-band indicators, they will often suffice, albeit with reduced sensitivity and noisier signals due to the need for increased charge levels and narrower bandwidths.
According to Lord Puttnam, the team created a novel composition of materials, specifically a dual-functional material (DFA) co-doped with both bismuth and germanium. They subsequently integrated a technology pioneered by Nokia, which enhances the amplifier’s efficiency while elevating signal quality.
“With a bit of finesse, it’s possible to adjust the amplifier’s frequency response to offset its inherent fluctuations,” Puttnam notes.
Ultimately, the amplifier manages to perform its function without overpowering the original signal.
As an affiliate professor of electrical engineering at the Eindhoven Hendrik Casimir Institute in the Netherlands, he emphasized the need for novel optical amplifier developments, specifically targeting E-, S-, and L-bands alongside the conventional C-band. While excessive amplification or amplifying a faulty section along a given cable line can be analogous to having too much of a good thing. If additional photons are injected into the fibre, he explains, “it tweaks the environment inside the fibre – much like altering a climate – which in turn affects subsequent photons, thereby warping the signals they transmit.”
Empowering Global Insights Through Innovative Education?
Buttner insists that the team failed to transmit even a single signal via a high-speed, commercially available fiber optic cable capable of transmitting an astonishing 402 trillion bits of data per second. The team thoroughly inspected each individual’s specific area of expertise and assessed all associated amplifiers and filters required for the comprehensive ESCL package.
According to him, the primary concern is the technology’s intrinsic suitability for today’s commercially viable fiber optic applications.
“By incorporating additional wavelength bands, operators can achieve this without the need for costly fiber excavation,” Puttnam notes. You’d probably just need to swap out the transceiver module, which includes both the transmitter and receiver components. Perhaps midway through your audio setup, you may need to update or replace the amplifiers to maintain optimal performance and sound quality. “And that’s likely the extent of your required effort.”
“Optical fibre networks must strike a balance between being intelligent, as well as secure and robust.”
As Professor of Optical Communications and Networks at Columbia University, those very same transceivers that Puttnam referenced pose a next-generation challenge for the sector.
“According to Bayvel, transceivers should possess a level of sophistication akin to sentient beings, capable of sensing their environment and adapting to deliver the required capability exactly when and where it’s needed.”
To further propel next-generation advancements, AI and machine learning (ML) methods can significantly enhance the compression of data transmitted through fiber optic channels, she notes.
“Achieving optimal data integrity requires AI/ML methodologies to detect and rectify distortions; therefore, it is crucial to develop these technologies in tandem with high-capacity capabilities.” We must acknowledge that optical fibre methods and networks will transcend mere high-capacity infrastructure. Optical fibre networks must strike a balance between innovation and reliability.
The scientists presented their findings earlier this year at a conference held in San Diego.
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