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CUHK develops all-optical signal processor to break AI data centre transmission bottleneck

Researchers from CUHK develop an integrated all-optical signal processor that corrects distorted signals in real-time, improving communication efficiency between servers and data centres in large-scale AI systems. The OSP achieves aggregate data rates of 1.6 Tb/s with latency below 60 picoseconds and low energy consumption.

SourceThe Chinese University of Hong Kong·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2026

World record: 450 Tb/s transmission over a metropolitan link using legacy optical fiber

Researchers have demonstrated a record-breaking 450 terabits per second optical transmission over a field-deployed legacy fiber in London, UK. The achievement uses new optical-amplifier technologies to support ultra-wideband signals, exceeding previous records and unlocking previously untapped capacity in standard optical fibers.

Imaging the Moon’s interior with fiber-optics

Using Distributed Acoustic Sensing technology, scientists deployed fibre-optic cables across the lunar surface to detect seismic waves generated by moonquakes, meteorites, and landings. The cables can record signals at a higher spatial resolution than traditional seismic networks.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalEarth and Space Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 24, 2026

IEEE researchers achieve low-power ultrashort mid-IR pulse compression

A team of researchers from SASTRA Deemed University demonstrates a fiber-based method for compressing mid-infrared laser pulses into ultrashort, low-noise bursts efficiently. The system reduces input power from kilowatts to 80 watts, improving energy efficiency and thermal stability.

SourceInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers·JournalIEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 11, 2026

Massive-scale spatial multiplexing with 3D-printed photonic lanterns achieved by researchers

The Hebrew University team designed an adiabatic transition to convert multiple few-mode sources into a single multimode fiber, enabling efficient combining of dozens of small semiconductor lasers. The technology simplifies high-power laser systems and optical communications, preserving brightness and easing alignment constraints.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2026

New design tackles heat challenges in high-power fiber lasers

Researchers at Fraunhofer IOF have developed a single-material cladding light stripper with self-adapting behavior, overcoming nonlinear effects and heat buildup in thulium fiber lasers. The design enables over 20 W of stripped signal light at 2 µm and up to 675 W at 793 nm, setting a new record for single-material CLS designs.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 3, 2025

Comparison of pre-procedure lignocaine spray vs. spray-as-you-go for topical airway anesthesia in flexible bronchoscopy

This study compared pre-procedure lignocaine spray (PPL) and spray-as-you-go (SAYG) airway anesthesia in fiberoptic bronchoscopy. The results showed no significant differences in patient-reported pain, discomfort, coughing, or procedure duration between the two groups. However, operator comfort was slightly higher with the PPL protocol.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalExploratory Research and Hypothesis in Medicine·DateNov 25, 2025

Novel transmission technique enables world record 430 Tb/s in a commercially available, international-standard-compliant optical fiber

Researchers have demonstrated a record-breaking 430 terabits per second (Tb/s) optical transmission using a novel approach that triples the capacity of standard-compliant cutoff-shifted optical fibers. The technology offers high throughput with reduced complexity, while utilizing existing optical fiber infrastructure.

New low-cost, efficient single-photon source for powering future quantum internet

Researchers have developed a highly efficient fiber-coupled single-photon source that generates photons directly inside an optical fiber, reducing transmission loss. This breakthrough enables the creation of secure quantum communication networks and paves the way for next-generation all-fiber-integrated quantum computing technologies.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalOptics Express·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 16, 2025

IEEE study reveal the physics of laser emission from Mamyshev oscillator

Researchers from Hunan University uncover buildup dynamics of harmonic mode-locking in fiber-based Mamyshev oscillators, achieving high stability and signal-to-noise ratio. The study identifies five distinct phases in the generation of stable harmonic mode-locking, challenging conventional understanding of laser emission.

SourceInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers·JournalJournal of Lightwave Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2025

World's first practical surface-emitting laser for optical fiber communications developed: advancing miniaturization, energy efficiency, and cost reduction of light sources

Researchers developed world's first practical surface-emitting laser using quantum dots, advancing miniaturization and energy efficiency of light sources. The innovation enables high-performance, scalable structures and cost reductions through mass production.

SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·JournalOptics Express·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2025

World record achieved in transmission capacity and distance: With 19-core optical fiber with standard cladding diameter 1,808 km transmission of 1.02 petabits per second

A new world record has been set for petabit-class transmission over a distance of 1,808 km using a 19-core optical fiber with low loss across multiple wavelength bands. The demonstration marks a major step forward in developing scalable, high-capacity networks and addressing the world's growing demand for data.

Integrated encryption and communication framework achieves record 1 Tb/s secure transmission over 1,200-km optical fiber

Researchers developed an IEAC framework combining robust security with high-capacity transmission performance, achieving a record 1 Tb/s secure transmission over 1,200 km of optical fibre. The system eliminates the trade-off between security and speed by integrating encryption into the communication process.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateApr 21, 2025

Do neurons transmit light?

Scientists investigate whether living neurons can transport light through their axons, which would significantly change current models of the nervous system. If successful, it could have major implications for treating brain diseases and healing the brain.

A router for photons

Harvard researchers have created a photon router that could plug into quantum networks to create robust optical interfaces for noise-sensitive microwave quantum computers. The breakthrough enables control of microwave qubits with optical signals generated many miles away, bridging the energy gap between microwave and optical photons.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 2, 2025

Tiny component for record-breaking bandwidth

Researchers from ETH Zurich have developed a tiny plasmonic modulator that can transmit data with frequencies over a trillion oscillations per second, breaking previous records. The new modulator can be used for various applications, including high-performance computing and measurement technology.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalOptica·DateMar 20, 2025

IEEE study reveals breakthroughs in high-performance photon detectors

Researchers developed a fabrication technique to overcome design challenges for scalable single-photon detectors, enabling ultra-fast detection of photons regardless of direction or polarization. The study provides a comprehensive guide to fabricating high-quality fractal SNSPDs with improved sensitivity and system detection efficiency.

SourceInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers·JournalIEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2025

Ice streams move due to tiny ice quakes

Researchers at ETH Zurich discovered tiny ice quakes deep inside ice streams, explaining the discrepancy between simulations and satellite measurements. The findings impact sea-level rise estimates and may reveal fault planes in ice cores, providing a better understanding of ice stream deformation.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateFeb 6, 2025

Revolutionizing data centers: Penn engineers’ breakthrough in photonic switching

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science have developed a novel photonic switch that can redirect signals in trillionths of a second with minimal power consumption. The new switch uses non-Hermitian physics and silicon material to achieve unprecedented speed and efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 7, 2025

To build better fiber optic cables, ask a clam

Researchers discovered that heart cockle shells have translucent areas with hair-thin strands that deliver specific wavelengths of light into the bivalves' tissues. This natural system filters out bad wavelengths and channels in optimal wavelengths for photosynthesis, benefiting the clams' symbiotic algae.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 2, 2024

Learnable digital signal processing: a new benchmark of linearity compensation for optical fiber communications

The LDSP framework integrates deep learning optimization into traditional DSP, achieving substantial improvements in performance and efficiency. It optimizes DSP parameters globally using backpropagation algorithms, resulting in enhanced compensation for linear and nonlinear performance.

Fiber-optic drug delivery strategy for synergistic cancer photothermal-chemotherapy

A team of scientists has developed a fiber-optic drug delivery strategy that targets cancer tumors with high precision and efficiency. The system uses photons, photothermo-sensitizers, and chemotherapeutics to induce localized hyperthermia, releasing encapsulated drugs and ensuring minimal side effects.

Optica Quantum October 2024 Issue Press Tip Sheet

The new issue of Optica Quantum features 10 research articles on quantum information science and technology. New methods for compensating scattering and aberrations in entangled photon systems have been proposed, and ultrafast nonlinear wave mixing spectroscopy schemes employing coherent light pulses and vacuum modes are being explored.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica Quantum·DateOct 30, 2024