Researchers from the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and Chalmers University of Technology have managed to set a new data transmission world record by transmitting data 1.8 petabits per second. This was accomplished using only a single laser and optical chip, producing a frequency comb with the ideal characteristics for fiber-optical communications.
Photo credit: Mia Halleröd Palmgren
This single chip made by Chalmers University of Technology and a single laser is capable of transmitting up to 100 Pbit/s. The solution is scalable, both in terms of creating many frequencies and in terms of splitting the frequency comb, into many spatial copies as well as optically amplifying them. Researchers can use them as parallel sources to transmit data.
In other words, our solution provides a potential for replacing hundreds of thousands of the lasers located at Internet hubs and data centres, all of which guzzle power and generate heat. We have an opportunity to contribute to achieving an Internet that leaves a smaller climate footprint,” said Leif Katsuo Oxenløwe, Head of the Centre of Excellence for Silicon Photonics for Optical Communications (SPOC) at DTU.
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