Scientists triple optical fiber capacity with 430 Tb/s breakthrough transmission
Researchers at the National Institute for Information and Communication Technology (NICT) have shattered the previous record for optical fiber transmission, achieving an astonishing 430 terabits per second (Tb/s). This breakthrough, led by a consortium including NICT, triples the capacity of optical fibers by utilizing shorter wavelengths in the O-band.
The team accomplished this feat using standard-compliant cutoff-shifted optical fibers, traditionally employed for extended wavelengths in the C and L bands. They combined single-mode transmission in the E/S/C/L bands with three-mode transmission in the O band, effectively extending the usable transmission capacity. This spatial-division multiplexing technique, coupled with advanced dual-polarization quadrature amplitude modulation (DP-QAM) methods, enabled the remarkable 430.2 Tb/s transmission rate over a 10-kilometer distance.
The previous record stood at 402 Tb/s, also a significant milestone in optical fiber transmission. The novel approach resulted in a notable reduction in overall bandwidth requirements, nearly 20% less than previously deemed necessary. This breakthrough aligns with current technological needs, driven by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, ultra-high-definition video streaming, and cloud computing.
The NICT-led consortium has positioned this cutting-edge technology to play a transformative role in metropolitan networks and inter-datacenter links, where substantial bandwidth is essential for accommodating escalating data traffic. The research emphasizes compatibility with existing technologies and infrastructure, offering a practical solution for telecommunications operators facing continual demands for increased bandwidth.
