Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd. developed Forward Raman Units that enable longer distances and higher quality signal transmission with improved noise characteristics compared to conventional transmission systems.
It will begin shipping samples from July 2023 with manufacturing commencing thereafter.
Raman amplification
Raman amplification is a core technology in optical fiber communications. Backward Raman amplification, which amplifies optical signals from the receiving side, is applied in current optical fiber communications systems. The pump light propagates in the opposite direction to the signal light in backward Raman amplification.
Although the impact of noise caused by the pump light is averaged and reduced, there is room to improve the transmission characteristics of the signal light propagating through the optical fiber.
Addressing the impact of light noise
On the other hand, with forward Raman amplification, the pump light propagates in the same direction as the signal light. The ability to amplify the output power of the signal light from the transmission input point reduces signal light attenuation.
Therefore, it is expected that the benefits of Raman amplification can be maximized. However, the impact of pump light noise needed to be addressed.
higher signal transmission
The newly developed Forward Raman Unit uses low noise incoherent light as the pump source. Because incoherent light has a wide bandwidth, it suppresses the interaction between the pump light source and signal light.
As a result, it is possible to reduce the impact of noise in the Forward Raman Unit and bring higher-quality signal transmission.
Forward Raman Unit
Also, compared to the conventional backward Raman amplification, signal light attenuation while propagating through a fiber is decreased when adding forward Raman amplification. Therefore, it is possible to maintain a high signal quality during transmission.
As a result, the transmission distance is extended while also improving the quality of the signal over the same distance. This new Forward Raman Unit will contribute to solving the issue of reduced transmission distance resulting from faster transmission speeds in recent years.
Second Raman method technology
In addition to these developments, Furukawa is working to increase the output power of the Forward Raman Unit by amplifying the incoherent light using unique Second Raman method technology.
It will further improve the amplification characteristics by increasing the output power of the optical semiconductor incoherent light sources. The new Forward Raman Unit will be exhibited at OFC 2023 scheduled to be held on March 7-9, 2023 in San Diego.
Furukawa Electric Group’s efforts toward the SDGs
Based on the “Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)” adopted by the United Nations, Furukawa Electric Group has formulated the “Furukawa Electric Group Vision 2030” which sets the year 2030 as its target and is advancing efforts to “Build a sustainable world and make people’s life safe, peaceful and rewarding, Furukawa Electric Group will create solutions for the new generation of global infrastructure combining information, energy, and mobility.”
Toward the achievement of our Vision 2030, we will take open, agile, and innovative approaches to promote ESG management that aims to increase corporate value over the medium to long term and will contribute to the achievement of the SDGs.
