NEWS & BUSINESS
Unconventional laser could improve telecommunications
the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering, who led the research, said “The popular VCSEL may one day be replaced by what we’re calling the ‘BICSEL’ — bound state in the continuum surface- emitting laser, which could lead to smaller devices that consume less power.” The team’s next step is to make BIC lasers that are electrically powered by mounting the membrane on a conductive substrate and, although the device’s current efficiency is about 20 per cent, they believe this can be engineered to reach much higher values.
the research team at the University of California demonstrated that, as microwave frequencies, BICs could be used to trap and store light. Now, they are harnessing BICs to demonstrate new types of lasers at telecom wavelengths. Boubacar Kanté, electrical engineering professor at
BIC was first predicted in 1929, but it was only recently realised that the phenomenon could also be applied to optics. Unlike conventional waves, that would escape an open system, BIC waves remain perfectly confined and do not escape, despite having open pathways to do so. In a previous study,
Researchers at the University of California have demonstrated a new type of laser, based on ‘bound states of the continuum’ (BIC), with results that have shown the potential to be more compact and energy efficient than standard surface emitting lasers used in most optical networking links.
Subsea boost for Ireland
team to develop and build this strategic cable between Ireland and France,” said Emil Henry, CEO and Managing Partner of Tiger Infrastructure Partners. The system is scheduled to be ready for service in late 2018.
capacity transmission to telecommunication carriers, internet companies and large enterprises in Ireland looking for connectivity to continental Europe. “We are pleased to be working with IFSC and its experienced leadership
Tiger Infrastructure Partners to finance and construct IFC- 1, a subsea system that will be the first and only direct cable link between Ireland and France.
Ireland’s data centre industry is set for a boost, after Ireland-France Subsea Cable Limited (IFSC) recently announced a partnership with
The system, running from Dublin to Paris, will provide ultra-high
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ISSUE 8 | Q1 2017
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