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Light Speed Internet: New Laser Tech Shatters Speed Records
3 Apr
Summary
- New optical wireless system uses tiny laser array for data.
- Achieved 362.7 Gbps in a two-meter free-space test link.
- Consumes half the energy per bit compared to Wi-Fi.
Wireless communication faces challenges from crowded frequencies and increasing demands. Optical wireless communication, utilizing light instead of radio waves, offers a promising solution with higher bandwidth and precision. Researchers have developed a compact transmitter featuring a semiconductor laser array on a tiny chip.
This system incorporates a 5x5 array of VCSELs, capable of independent data streams. In tests, this chip-scale transmitter achieved a record 362.7 Gbps over a two-meter link, with individual lasers reaching up to 19 Gbps. The technology relies on precise optical shaping to direct light beams, enabling multiuser capability.
Optical wireless technology is designed to complement existing Wi-Fi and cellular networks, particularly for high-capacity indoor use. It promises significant energy efficiency, using approximately 1.4 nanojoules per bit, about half that of leading Wi-Fi. This advancement could lead to future integrated solutions in ceilings and lighting fixtures for faster, more efficient connectivity.
