New optical technique paves the way for “hair-thin” endoscopes

Medical endoscopes may look small, but their tips are actually several millimeters wide, making them too big to image living cells within the body. A new system, however, allows users to view images through a single ultra-thin strand of optical fiber.C… Continue reading New optical technique paves the way for “hair-thin” endoscopes

Toshiba breaks quantum communication record with 600 km of optical fibers

A quantum internet could one day allow quantum computers to team up and tackle some gigantic problems. Now the world is a step closer to that reality, as researchers at Toshiba have demonstrated quantum communications sent over a record-breaking 600 km… Continue reading Toshiba breaks quantum communication record with 600 km of optical fibers

Skinny fiber optic tether could let ROVs be launched from small boats

Even though underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) are getting smaller, their communications cables have remained relatively fat and hefty. That may about to change, though, thanks to a new fishing-line-based fiber optic tether.Continue ReadingCa… Continue reading Skinny fiber optic tether could let ROVs be launched from small boats

A Brief History of Optical Communication

We live in the information age where access to the internet is considered a fundamental human right. Exercising this right does largely rely on the technological advances made in optical communication. Using light to send information has a long history: …read more

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Experiment With SFP Modules With This Handy Breakout

While most home networking hardware comes with network ports baked in from the factory, industrial grade gear is typically more versatile. Using standards like Small Form-factor Pluggable, or SFP, network switches can be used with a variety of transport mediums …read more

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Nokia and Vodafone demonstrate 100-Gbps fiber broadband in new trial

Nokia and Vodafone have completed a trial of a new broadband technology that delivers a blistering 100 gigabits per second (Gbps) on a single wavelength. The trial was conducted using the kinds of network seen in the “last mile” between an ISP and a us… Continue reading Nokia and Vodafone demonstrate 100-Gbps fiber broadband in new trial

New technique promises less expensive, quickly-made optical fibers

Optical fibers are already used in many fields, but they would have even more applications if they could be manufactured faster and cheaper. An experimental new process is claimed to deliver on both counts, and it utilizes mostly existing technologies…. Continue reading New technique promises less expensive, quickly-made optical fibers

New technique promises less expensive, quickly-made optical fibers

Optical fibers are already used in many fields, but they would have even more applications if they could be manufactured faster and cheaper. An experimental new process is claimed to deliver on both counts, and it utilizes mostly existing technologies…. Continue reading New technique promises less expensive, quickly-made optical fibers