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Side-polished pump combiner: Building block for robust all-fiber mid-IR lasers

Researchers developed a novel side-polished fibre pump combiner that achieves high coupling efficiency and stabilizes Mid-IR laser operation. The design effectively distributes heat load across the polished fibre area, enabling long-term stable operation with low excess losses.

Advanced OAM mode switching in multimode fiber utilizing optical neural network chip

A team of scientists developed a flexible mode-switching system utilizing an optical neural network chip to switch between different Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM) modes in a multimode fibre. The system achieved low-crosstalk mode switching, enabling efficient and flexible optical networks capable of meeting growing demands.

World record 402 Tb/s transmission in a standard commercially available optical fiber

A team at NICT set a new world record for data-rate transmission in a standard optical fiber, reaching 402 Tb/s and increasing the aggregate bandwidth to 37.6 THz. The demonstration used novel technologies to access new wavelength regions, enabling future optical communication infrastructure to meet growing demands.

Breaking data transmission barriers: Innovations in data center interconnects

Researchers have developed a groundbreaking solution to overcome DAC challenges, achieving record-breaking data transmission performance. The innovative approach enables the transmission of signals at rates exceeding 124 GBd PAM-4/6 and 112 GBd PAM-8 over long distances using low-cost digital-to-analog converters.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateJun 6, 2024

New 3D-printed microscale photonic lantern open opportunities for spatial mode multiplexing

A recent study by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem developed a Free-Standing Microscale Photonic Lantern Spatial Mode (De-)Multiplexer using 3D Nanoprinting. The device enables spatial mode multiplexing, converting between optical waves and separated single-mode signals, with applications in high-capacity communication and imaging.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalLight Science & Applications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2024

1,000 times smaller than a grain of sand—glass sensors 3D-printed on optical fiber

Researchers have developed a method to 3D print silica glass micro-optics on the tips of optic fibers, creating structures 1,000 times smaller than a grain of sand. This breakthrough enables more sensitive remote sensors for environment and healthcare applications, as well as innovations in pharmaceuticals and chemicals.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalACS Nano·TypeObservational study·DateMay 15, 2024

A simple internet with significant possibilities

Researchers at Harvard University have successfully demonstrated the first metro-area quantum computer network in Boston, using existing telecommunication fiber to send hacker-proof information via photons. The breakthrough overcomes signal loss issues, enabling the creation of a secure quantum internet.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2024

Control of temperature dependent viscosity for manufacturing of Bi-doped active fiber

Researchers developed a novel temperature-dependent viscosity mediated strategy to control Bi dopant deactivation during fiber drawing. A borate glass system with faster viscosity changing rate was created, resulting in the first demonstration of on-off gain in a Bi-doped borate fiber system.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateApr 16, 2024

100 kilometers of quantum-encrypted transfer

Scientists have made significant breakthroughs in Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technology, enabling secure data transfer over long distances. The new method uses Continuous Variable Quantum Key Distribution to distribute quantum-encrypted keys via fibre optic cables, paving the way for a quantum-secure internet infrastructure.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 2, 2024

Lu(a)minar Flow Odyssey – the power of water and light towards early leukemia diagnostics

Researchers developed a unique microfluidics-based diagnostic system that combines optical tweezers with stimulated Raman spectroscopy to enable fast and accurate diagnosis of leukemia. The device can identify cancer cells based on their metabolic activities and metabolites, providing tailored treatment options.

How the brain translates motivation into goal-oriented behavior, according to new study

The study reveals that two neural pathways in the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus participate in dynamic regulation of goal pursuits, with PVT+ neurons encoding execution and termination of actions, respectively. Activity in these neurons mirrors motivation parameters such as vigor and satiety.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 15, 2024

Mass-produced, commercial promising multicolored photochromic fiber

A team of scientists has created a highly flexible, uniformly luminescent photochromic fiber that can achieve uniform light emission and wide color gamut control. The fiber is designed to be mass-producible and integrated into various wearable interactive interfaces, enabling diversified interactions such as emotion and communication.

Could fiber optic cable help scientists probe the deep layers of the moon?

Researchers propose using fiber seismic networks to detect seismic waves on the Moon and provide information about its deep core structure. By analyzing artificial seismograms created from Apollo mission data, they found that a fiber network could identify specific seismic waves hidden in scattered signals.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalSeismological Research Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2024

Wearable sticker turns hand movements into communication

Researchers developed a wearable sticker that can detect subtle hand movements, enabling individuals with disabilities to communicate more easily. The sensors show high sensitivity and accuracy in recognizing gestures and translating them into words or commands.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateFeb 27, 2024

Predicting optical fibers failures

A study demonstrates the potential of transceiver-based sensing for actively monitoring and improving the stability of fiber networks. Researchers used a coherent transceiver prototype to detect polarization changes that preceded a cable break in a live network, showing promise for real-time monitoring and proactive network management.

SourceOptica·DateFeb 15, 2024

Breakthrough in single-photon integration

Researchers from Hebrew University of Jerusalem have successfully integrated single-photon sources onto tiny chips at room temperature using a hybrid metal-dielectric bullseye antenna. This innovation enables efficient back-excitation and front coupling of emission to optical fibers or low numerical aperture optics, promising advanceme...

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2024

Programming light propagation creates highly efficient neural networks

Researchers have developed a novel optical neural network architecture that achieves nonlinear optical computation by precisely controlling ultrashort pulse propagation in multimode fibers. This approach streamlines the need for energy-intensive digital processes, achieving comparable accuracy with significantly reduced parameters.

From PIC to probe

A team of researchers at Ghent University and imec developed a silicon photonic temperature sensor that measures up to 180°C. The sensor was realized in the framework of the European SEER project, where partners focus on integrating optical sensors in manufacturing routines for composite parts.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Optical Microsystems·DateDec 15, 2023

Thermal impact of 3D stacking photonic and electronic chips

The study found that 3D integration can lead to significant heat spreading and crosstalk, reducing heater efficiency by up to -43.3% and increasing thermal crosstalk by up to +44.4%. However, optimizing design variables, such as spacing between µbumps and interconnect linewidth, can minimize the thermal penalty of 3D integration.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Optical Microsystems·DateDec 7, 2023

Broadband buzz: Periodical cicadas' chorus measured with fiber optic cables

A new proof-of-concept study demonstrates the use of distributed fiber optic sensing to detect and analyze the sound of periodical cicadas. The technology shows promise for charting the populations of these famously ephemeral bugs, with potential applications in monitoring insect abundance across seasons and years.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Insect Science·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2023

Bartering light for light: Scientists discover new system to control the chaotic behavior of light

Researchers at CUNY Graduate Center design stadium-shaped cavity to study and control light's complex behavior. By adjusting light intensity and delay, they demonstrate coherent control using reflectionless scattering modes, paving the way for better energy storage, computing, and signal processing.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2023