Fiber Optic Data Rates Reach New Record Speed

Researchers have achieved a new record in fiber optic data rates by transmitting 402 terabits per second through commercial-grade fiber, surpassing existing commercial systems by four times. The breakthrough was made possible by utilizing optical amplifiers across various communication bands, including the less commonly used U-, L-, S-, E-, and O-bands in addition to the standard C-band. This innovative approach allowed for significant data rate improvements without the need to replace existing fiber optic infrastructure. The team's work involved developing advanced optical amplifiers co-doped with bismuth and germanium, along with specialized filters to optimize performance and signal quality. The study highlights the potential for further advancements in fiber optic technology, with the possibility of reaching data rates up to 600 terabits per second by maximizing available bandwidth. Future challenges include developing intelligent transceivers and leveraging AI and machine learning techniques to enhance network capacity, security, and resilience. The findings were presented at the Optical Fiber Communication Conference 2024, showcasing the ongoing progress in pushing the boundaries of fiber optic communication technology.