National Information Optoelectronics Innovation Center Unveils Ultra-Broadband Photonic Chip for 6G

The National Information Optoelectronics Innovation Center has announced the development of an ultra-broadband photonic chip. The center revealed this technology on May 15, 2024. The chip is designed to handle high-speed data transmission for both fiber optic and wireless networks.

New hardware enables high-speed fiber optic and wireless networks for future connectivity

The new chip features a bandwidth of 250 GHz. It enables fiber optic transmission speeds to exceed 512 Gbps. This rate allows the transfer of over a dozen high-definition movies every second. The chip also supports terahertz wireless transmission at 400 Gbps. This wireless capability can deliver 8K ultra-high-definition video streams to 86 users simultaneously. Additionally, the center developed the world's first 170 GHz intensity modulator based on this technology.

Zhang Hongguang, manager of the Future Technology Department at the center, explained the significance of the device. He noted that mobile phones and computers process information using electrical signals. Long-distance data transmission requires converting these signals to optical light. Photonic chips perform this electrical-to-optical and optical-to-electrical conversion. The larger the chip bandwidth, the more data it can carry per second. Zhang stated that this chip will provide underlying support for 6G space-air-ground integrated communication. The technology is also expected to extend to satellite communication. This development aims to aid the creation of domestic satellite communication equipment.

The announcement highlights a significant step in optical communication hardware. The integration of high-bandwidth photonic components addresses the growing demand for faster data infrastructure. The focus on 6G and satellite applications suggests a strategic move toward next-generation global connectivity standards. The center's achievement in creating a 170 GHz intensity modulator marks a specific technical milestone in this field.