Hollow-core fiber achieves record-low 0.091 dB km−1 signal loss for faster transmission
Hollow-core fiber guides light through air for faster transmission than glass
Microsoft-backed researchers claim record-low signal loss in new fiber design
Ultra-thin glass membranes reduce energy loss and maintain strong data signals
Microsoft-backed researchers have unveiled a new design for hollow-core fiber that promises record-low signal loss and faster transmission speeds.
Unlike conventional solid-core optical fibers, which guide light through glass, this approach channels light through air, allowing it to travel closer to its theoretical maximum speed.
Earlier hollow-core designs suffered excessive signal weakening, making them impractical, but the latest refinement uses ultra-thin glass membranes to maintain the signal while reducing energy loss.Building on past trials and new breakthroughs
This work builds on the hollow-core fiber (HCF) cables previously trialed by Lumenisity with UK telco BT before Microsoft acquired the company.
The team, still linked to the University of Southampton and now backed by substantial Microsoft funding, claims its design can outperform conventional optical fibers in both signal loss and bandwidth.
