Researchers from Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT) and Kitami Institute of Technology at Hokkaido National University have made significant progress in optical communication technology.
Utilizing a single optical fiber, they achieved both long-distance power delivery and high-speed data transfer. This development is especially pertinent for locations where traditional electrical infrastructure is compromised, such as remote areas or during disasters.
Central to this innovation is the multicore optical fiber (MCF) technology from NTT, which maintains a standard glass diameter of 125 μm. This ensures it remains compatible with pre-existing fiber optic setups. The distinct feature of this technology is its multicore structure, where multiple optical strands are housed within the same fiber. Each core is designated a specific function, with the team discovering that multiple cores are vital for efficient power transmission.
In their experimentation, the researchers utilized a light source of 1,550 nm wavelength across all four cores for power delivery. Concurrently, two of these cores were embedded with an added wavelength of approximately 1,310 nm for data transmission. This enabled both uplink and downlink data transfers at a speed of 10 Gbps. Furthermore, the team managed to transmit over 1 W of power across a distance of 14 kilometers, resulting in an optical power supply system efficiency of 14 W/km.
This achievement builds on previous strides in photonics technology, presenting a method that combines long-distance energy and data transfer. Given its potential, this technology can be a viable solution for delivering low-power needs across vast distances, especially where traditional electrical systems may not be applicable. The potential applications of this technology are broad and could be explored further in upcoming years.
