The optical communication systems used to connect to the Internet use light to transmit information to long distances. In this way, the data is transmitted through laser pulses that travel at high speed through optical fibers.
To ensure that the information maintains high quality and is not saturated with noise, optical amplifiers are used. In this way, the data transmission capacity of a communication system It depends largely on the bandwidth of the amplifierthat is, to the range of wavelengths of light that can be handled.
The rapid increase in data traffic requires more and more communication systems. Now, in a study published in Naturea research team of the Technological University of Chalmers (Sweden) presents a new amplifier that allows the transmission of ten times more data per second than the current fiber optic systems. This amplifier, lodged in a small chip, It has great potential for various critical laser systems, including those used in diagnoses and medical treatments.
The advance of AI technology, the growing popularity of streaming services and the proliferation of new intelligent devices are some of the factors that drive the forecast that Data traffic is doubled by 2030. This increase is essential to create communication systems capable of managing large amounts of information.
“The amplifiers that are currently used in the optical communication systems have a bandwidth of approximately 30 nanometers -explained Peter Andrekson, leader of the study -. Our amplifier, however, It has a bandwidth of 300 nanometers, which allows you to transmit ten times more data per second than existing systems. ”
The new amplifier, made of silicon nitruro, incorporates several small wave guides, in the form of a spiral and interconnected, which direct the light efficiently with minimal loss. When combining this material with an optimized geometric design, several technical advantages have been achieved.
“The key innovation of this amplifier lies in its ability to multiply the bandwidth by ten, while reducing noise more effectively than any other type of amplifier. This capacity allows you to amplify very weak signalssuch as those used in spatial communications, ”adds Andrekson.
In addition, researchers have successfully miniaturized the system so that it fits in a chip of just a few centimeters.
“While building amplifiers in small chips is not a new concept, This is the first case in which such a large bandwidth is achieved”Andrekson confirms.
The authors have integrated multiple amplifiers in the chip, which allows to expand the concept easily as necessary. Since optical amplifiers are crucial components in all lasers, This design can be used to develop laser systems capable of quickly changing wavelengths In a wide range. This innovation opens numerous applications in society.
Small adjustments in design, for example, They would also allow the amplification of visible and infrared light. This means that the amplifier could be used in laser systems for diagnosis, analysis and medical treatment. Its wide bandwidth allows more precise analysis and images of tissues and organs, which facilitates the early detection of diseases.
In addition to its enormous application potential, The amplifier can also contribute to laser systems are smaller and affordable.
“This amplifier offers a scalable solution for lasers, allowing them to operate in various wavelengths, while it is more profitable, compactly and energetically efficient -Andrekson concludes -. Consequently, a single laser system based on this amplifier could be used in multiple fields. Beyond medical research, diagnosis and treatment, it could also be applied in imaging, holography, spectroscopy, microscopy and the characterization of materials and components in completely different wavelengths. ”