Researchers at ETH Zurich have improved space communication by achieving 424 Gbit/s transmission speeds with plasmonic modulators, potentially transforming space and global internet connectivity.
The researchers at ETH Zurich have developed Plasmonic modulators, devices that manipulate optical signals using surface plasmon polaritons. By transmitting data over a 53-kilometer free-space optical link, the researchers demonstrated the capability of this technology to support high-speed optical communication through open air or space. With further development, data rates could reach up to 1.4 Tbit/s, potentially transforming both space and terrestrial communication systems.
Free-space optical communication provides an alternative to traditional radio frequency systems, delivering high-capacity data transfer with less interference and delay. This makes it a promising solution for space exploration, where efficient and reliable data transmission is crucial. Additionally, the technology could benefit industries beyond space exploration, such as satellite communications and emergency response systems, which rely on stable, high-speed connections.
Laurenz Kulmer, a researcher, Leuthold group, ETH Zurich presented this achievement, emphasizing the broader implications: “High-speed free-space transmission is an option to connect the world, or it may serve as a backup if underwater cables break.” He also mentioned the potential to create “a new cheap high-speed internet that may connect all locations across the world.”
One of the key strengths of plasmonic modulators is their ability to operate at high speeds while consuming low energy. Their compact design makes them suitable for space communication, where both size and efficiency are critical. In outdoor tests, the researchers achieved 424 Gbit/s with minimal interference, and in fiber-optic systems, they reached data rates of 774 Gbit/s per polarization. These results suggest that with further refinement, it may be possible to achieve speeds exceeding 1 Tbit/s.
The researchers aim to continue testing the long-term reliability of these devices to ensure they can withstand the harsh conditions of space. As Kulmer stated, “We have to make sure they can operate for years to come in the harshest of environments, space.” This breakthrough in data transmission could reshape space communication and support more efficient global connectivity.
