Scientists from various universities were able to transmit a record-breaking 44.2 terabits per second of data through an existing fiber optic cable.
Image Credit: Cassy L Huber via Shutterstock - HDR tune by Universal-Sci
Scientists from various universities were able to set an eye-wateringly fast record of squeezing 44.2 terabits per second of data through an existing fiber optic cable. This new world record was achieved by using a so-called 'micro-comb,' which is capable of firing several laser beams in a bundle.
The worldwide optical fiber network currently has a capacity of many hundreds of terabits per second, a capacity that grows at an annual rate of approximately 25%. Its focus has been shifting from long-haul communication, spanning many thousands of kilometers, to numerous shorter-high-capacity connections for so-called metro-area networks.
These local networks handle data transfers at distances between 10 kilometers to about 100 kilometers. At these distances, there is a need for increasingly compact, energy-efficient and low-cost solutions. The researchers think that their medium-range, ultra-fast micro-comb solution will be able to play a beneficial role here.
Focus has been shifting towards local networking - Image credit: metamorworks via Shutterstock - HDR tune by Universal-Sci
A micro-comb is an optical chip that can focus light signals with a high but stable frequency. Micro-comb technology is more than ten years old and has allowed for breakthroughs in many fields, from microwave photonics and spectroscopy to ultra-high capacity data communication. For their current achievement, researchers used a powerful class of micro-comb known as 'soliton crystals.' They were ultimately able to achieve incredibly fast data transmission over a distance of 75 kilometers (46.6 miles) of regular optical fiber utilizing a single integrated chip source.
The researchers, originating from the Australian universities of Swinburne and RMIT, published their findings in the renowned science journal Nature Communications. If you are interested in a more detailed description of the research, be sure to check the link listed below.
Sources and further reading:
Featured Articles:
If you enjoy our selection of content please consider following Universal-Sci on social media
With a growing number of Earth-like exoplanets discovered in recent years, it is becoming increasingly frustrating that we can’t visit them. After all, our knowledge of the planets in our own solar system would be pretty limited if it weren’t for the space probes we’d sent to explore them.