Scientists built a 'rainbow on a chip' that could help 6G carry more signals
Scientists have developed a "rainbow on a chip" system. This microchip generates multiple stable light frequencies simultaneously. These frequencies can convert into millimetre waves for future 6G networks. The technology also shows promise for precise timing in quantum applications. Further development is needed before real-world implementation.
Scientists from Loughborough University and an international team have developed a miniature device called a "rainbow on a chip" that can generate multiple, precisely spaced frequencies of light simultaneously. This microchip-based system could potentially enhance future 6G networks by converting optical frequencies into millimetre waves, which have the potential to transmit more data in higher capacity networks.
The "rainbow" effect is due to the microcomb producing numerous different frequencies of light that are separated and precisely arranged like the teeth of a comb, though the emitted light is invisible to the human eye. To produce these frequencies, the researchers used a microresonator chip, a small structure on the chip that traps light and allows it to circulate. An antenna then converts these optical frequencies into millimetre waves.
The team connected the microchip to a larger loop of optical fiber, allowing laser light to continuously travel through both components, creating stable and high-quality optical states. This innovation enables the generation of several precisely spaced millimetre-wave frequencies at once, each of which could serve as a separate channel for transmitting information.
Dr Luke Peters, a researcher from Loughborough University's Emergent Photonics Research Centre, explained that the researchers have essentially created an incredibly precise and stable rainbow on a chip where the loop feeds the light back through the chip, allowing the states to build up efficiently. The system demonstrated remarkable stability, even when subjected to disturbances.
Furthermore, the researchers showcased control over individual frequencies within the microcomb, allowing them to increase or decrease the strength of particular frequencies while maintaining the precision and stability of the optical signal. This level of control provides greater flexibility for various applications, which require different combinations of frequencies.
The central microchip is about the size of a grain of rice, and the team is working to reduce its size and energy requirements. Future versions may become small enough to fit inside a shoebox and could potentially be integrated into satellites, where size, weight, and power consumption are crucial factors.
The researchers are also exploring potential applications in quantum timing, quantum communications, radar systems, spectroscopy, and astronomical instruments. While there are still challenges to overcome before the technology can be used in real-world systems, this latest development has addressed a significant hurdle in the creation of highly stable millimetre-wave frequencies for advanced communication networks.
Written by urgent.news from Times of India's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
