Japanese researchers have recently achieved a remarkable data transmission speed of 402 Tbps using commercial fiber optic cables by tapping into previously unused frequency bands. Led by the Photonic Network Laboratory of Japan’s National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), an international research team demonstrated an optical transmission bandwidth of 37.6 terahertz (THz), setting a record for data rates.
The researchers accomplished this record speed by developing the first all-band optical transmission system (OESCLU) using standard fiber cables. This system incorporates multiple amplifier technologies, including 6 doped fiber amplifiers, and a new optical calibration device that allows access to previously unused wavelength ranges. This technology will play a crucial role in expanding the capabilities of optical transmission infrastructure as the demand for data services continues to grow rapidly.
In their experiment, the team expanded dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) to cover all major frequency bands, achieving more than 1,500 parallel channels within a bandwidth of 37.6 THz. With custom-designed amplifier technology, they built the world’s first O- to U-band transmission system, enabling DWDM transmission using standard off-the-shelf fiber.
The results of the experiment showed a 25% increase in data rate to 402 Tb/s over a transmission distance of 40 km, and a 35% increase in bandwidth to 37.6 THz. This demonstrates the potential for ultra-wideband transmission by applying new signal amplification and processing technology to increase the information transmission capacity of optical fibers.
NICT plans to continue its research and development efforts to enhance amplifier technology, components, and optical fibers to support both near and long-term applications. Researchers aim to extend the transmission range of ultra-wideband systems with ultra-high power to further advance optical communication technology.
In conclusion, Japanese scientists have achieved an unprecedented data transmission speed using commercial fiber optic cables by tapping into previously unused frequency bands. The development of an all-band optical transmission system has opened up new possibilities for expanding the capabilities of optical communication infrastructure as demand continues to grow rapidly.