Scientists from various universities were able to transmit a record-breaking 44.2 terabits per second of data through an existing fiber optic cable.

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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.

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