This is a new technology presented at OFC 2020, the world's most important and largest optical communications conference. Researchers from the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) at the Zepler Institute at the University of Southampton have developed this new fiber, where the silicon core is replaced by a hollow or gas-filled one, allowing light to travel faster and with fewer variations. In addition, these new fibers would attenuate light 50% less than current ones, so the link distance could also increase.
In just 18 months, they have been able to set up tests and conduct experiments that have yielded satisfactory results, such as proof that it would be possible to develop 1000 km transmission links.
Professor Francesco Poletti, head of the hollow-core fiber group at ORC, says: “Transmitting light in an air core rather than a glass core presents many advantages that could revolutionize optical communications as we know them. These latest results further reduce the performance gap between hollow. According to the model, the developed technology has the entire team truly excited about the prospect of significant further improvements that appear possible.”
It is undoubtedly a great development for fiber optic communications and invites us to reflect on the marvels we may have in the future. Every day, advances and scientific curiosity grow, allowing us to continue communicating with the whole world.
Don't miss the next blog post and remember that at INCOM we are always here to help you with your telecommunications projects.
