A team from the universities of Tokushima and Gifu has achieved wireless data transmission at 112 Gbps in the 560 GHz band. This is the first time the 420 GHz threshold has been surpassed in 100 Gbps-class communications. The breakthrough is significant because conventional electronic technologies face power and phase noise issues above 350 GHz, making it difficult to generate stable, high-speed signals.
Microcomb: the optical comb that orders frequencies 🧬
The key to success lies in a microcomb, a tiny device that generates multiple optical frequencies in a regular pattern, similar to the teeth of a comb. This component overcomes the limitations of traditional electronic circuits at frequencies above 350 GHz. By producing stable and coherent signals, the microcomb enables data modulation at high speeds. The result is efficient transmission in a band of the spectrum previously considered problematic for high-capacity communications.
The microcomb: the comb you don't need for your hair 💇
While many of us struggle to comb a few strands in the shower, these researchers have created an optical comb that orders frequencies at 560 GHz. We don't know if it also untangles fiber optic knots, but at least it promises faster downloads. Maybe one day we'll see it in our phones, just when you're about to throw it out the window because of a 3G signal. Of course, for now, don't use it to fix your bangs.