The rapidly increasing data traffic is placing ever greater demands on the capacity of communication systems. In an article published in the prestigious journal Nature, a research team from Chalmers University of Technology, in Sweden, introduces a new amplifier that enables the transmission of ten times more data per second than those of current fiber-optic systems. This amplifier, which fits on a small chip, holds significant potential for various critical laser systems, including those used in medical diagnostics and treatment.
The advancement of AI technology, the growing popularity of streaming services, and the proliferation of new smart devices are among the factors driving the expected doubling of data traffic by 2030. This surge is heightening the demand for communication systems capable of managing vast amounts of information.
Currently, optical communication systems are employed for the internet, telecommunications, and other data-intensive services. These systems utilise light to transmit information over long distances. The data is conveyed through laser pulses that travel at high speeds through optical fibers, which are composed of thin strands of glass.
To ensure that information maintains a high quality and isn't overwhelmed by noise, optical amplifiers are essential. The data transmission capacity of an optical communication system is largely determined by the amplifier's bandwidth, which refers to the range of light wavelengths it can handle.
“The amplifiers currently used in optical communication systems have a bandwidth of approximately 30 nanometers. Our amplifier, however, boasts a bandwidth of 300 nanometers, enabling it to transmit ten times more data per second than those of existing systems,” explains Peter Andrekson, Professor of Photonics at Chalmers and lead author of the study published in Nature.
Small, sensitive and powerful
The new amplifier, made of silicon nitride, features several small, spiral-shaped, interconnected waveguides that efficiently direct light with minimal loss. By combining this material with an optimised geometric design, several technical advantages have been achieved.
“The key innovation of this amplifier is its ability to increase bandwidth tenfold while reducing noise more effectively than any other type of amplifier. This capability allows it to amplify very weak signals, such as those used in space communication,” says Peter Andrekson.
Additionally, the researchers have successfully miniaturised the system to fit on a chip just a few centimeters in size.
“While building amplifiers on small chips is not a new concept, this is the first instance of achieving such a large bandwidth,” adds Peter Andrekson.
Contributes to earlier detection of diseases
The researchers have integrated multiple amplifiers onto the chip, allowing the concept to be easily scaled up as needed. Since optical amplifiers are crucial components in all lasers, the Chalmers researchers' design can be used to develop laser systems capable of rapidly changing wavelengths over a wide range. This innovation opens up numerous applications in society.
“Minor adjustments to the design would enable the amplification of visible and infrared light as well. This means the amplifier could be utilised in laser systems for medical diagnostics, analysis, and treatment. A large bandwidth allows for more precise analyses and imaging of tissues and organs, facilitating earlier detection of diseases,” says Peter Andrekson.
In addition to its broad application potential, the amplifier can also help make laser systems smaller and more affordable.
“This amplifier offers a scalable solution for lasers, enabling them to operate at various wavelengths while being more cost-effective, compact, and energy efficient. Consequently, a single laser system based on this amplifier could be utilised across multiple fields. Beyond medical research, diagnostics, and treatment, it could also be applied in imaging, holography, spectroscopy, microscopy, and material and component characterisation at entirely different wavelengths,” explains Peter Andrekson.
Further insights into the amplifier's potential
Light at different wavelengths serves various applications. The researchers have demonstrated that the amplifier functions effectively within the optical communication spectrum, ranging from 1400 to 1700 nanometers. With its extensive bandwidth of 300 nanometers, the amplifier can potentially be adapted for use at other wavelengths. By modifying the waveguide design, it is possible to amplify signals in other ranges, such as visible light (400 – 700 nanometers) and infrared light (2000 – 4000 nanometers). Consequently, in the long term, the amplifier could be utilised in fields where visible or infrared light is essential, such as disease diagnosis, treatments, visualisation of internal organs and tissues, and surgical operations.
More information about the study
Read the scientific article "Ultra-broadband optical amplification using nonlinear integrated waveguides" in Nature. The authors of the study are Ping Zhao, Vijay Shekhawat, Marcello Girardi, Zonglong He, Victor Torres-Company, and Peter A. Andrekson, who are affiliated with the Division of Photonics at the Department of Microtechnology and Nanoscience at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden. Ping Zhao is currently working at the College of Electronics and Information Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
The amplifier was manufactured in Chalmers' cleanroom, the Nanofabrication Laboratory Myfab Chalmers.
The study was funded by the Swedish Research Council and the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation.