Japanese scientists have achieved a data transmission speed of 402 terabits per second (Tb/s) using commercially available optical fibers by tapping into previously unused bandwidths.
An international research team led by the Optical Networking Laboratory at the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) in Japan demonstrated that a bandwidth of 37.6 terahertz (THz) enables a record data transmission speed of 402 terabits per second over market-available optical fiber, as reported by Interesting Engineering on June 27.
The research team sets a record with commercially available optical fiber. (Photo: iStock).
The researchers achieved this record by constructing the first optical transmission system across every bandwidth (OESCLU) of standard optical fiber. The system integrates multiple amplification technologies, including six doped fiber amplifiers. A new optical alignment device also allows access to previously unused wavelength bands in deployed systems. The technology developed by NICT significantly contributes to expanding the capabilities of optical transmission infrastructure as the demand for data services rapidly increases in the future.
In this experiment, the research team extended dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) to include all critical bandwidths, achieving over 1,500 parallel transmission channels within a bandwidth of 37.6 THz (275 nm). In collaboration with partners, NICT developed the world’s first transmission system from the O to U bandwidth, enabling DWDM transmission using standard available optical fiber with custom-designed amplification technology.
The estimated data transmission speed after traveling 40 kilometers is 402 Tb/s, which is 25% higher than the previous record, and the 37.6 THz bandwidth also marks a 35% increase. The experimental results demonstrate the potential for ultra-wideband transmission by applying new amplification and signal processing technologies, thereby enhancing the information-carrying capacity of optical fibers.
NICT will continue to promote research and development of amplification technology, along with the development of components and optical fibers to support applications in the near and long term. Researchers are also aiming to expand the transmission range of ultra-wideband systems with ultra-high capacity.
