First broadband optical fibre with an attenuation lower than 0.1 decibel per kilometre

Abstract

Throughout history, the development of novel technologies for long-distance communications has had profound influences on societal progress. Landmark scientific discoveries have enabled the transition from short message transmissions via single-wire electrical telegraphs to voice communications through coaxial cables, and ultimately to the optical fibres that powered the internet revolution. Central to these advancements was the invention of novel waveguides to transport electromagnetic waves with lower attenuation over broader spectral ranges. In the past four decades, despite extensive research, the spectral bandwidth and attenuation of silica-based telecommunication fibres have remained relatively unchanged. In this work, we report an optical waveguide with an unprecedented bandwidth and attenuation. Its measured loss reaches 0.091 dB/km at 1550 nm and remains below 0.2 dB/km over 66 THz, substantially better than the 0.14 dB/km and 26 THz achievable with existing technology. Our innovative, microstructured optical fibre replaces the traditional glass core with air, employing a meticulously engineered tubular glass structure to guide light. This approach not only reduces attenuation and other signal degradation phenomena, but it also increases transmission speeds by 50%. Furthermore, it theoretically enables further loss reductions and operation at wavelengths where broader bandwidth amplifiers exist, potentially heralding a new era in long-distance communications.