Nature Photonics Study Reveals Breakthrough in Optical Wireless Technology
Researchers from Politecnico di Milano, in collaboration with Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna in Pisa, the University of Glasgow, and Stanford University, have made a significant breakthrough in optical wireless technology. Their study, published in the renowned journal Nature Photonics, demonstrates the creation of photonic chips capable of performing mathematical calculations to determine the optimal shape of light, enabling it to pass through any environment, even if unknown or constantly changing.
The challenge with light is its sensitivity to obstacles, no matter how small they may be. Similar to how we perceive objects through a frosted window or when our glasses become foggy, the distortion affects the data-carrying beams in optical wireless systems, making it exceedingly difficult to retrieve information.
The research team has developed small silicon chips, serving as intelligent transceivers, that can independently calculate the most efficient shape for a light beam to navigate through any environment. Moreover, they can generate multiple overlapping beams with distinct shapes, directing them without interference. This groundbreaking technology significantly enhances transmission capacity, vital for the next generation of wireless systems.
Francesco Morichetti, Head of the Photonic Devices Lab at Politecnico di Milano, explains, Our chips are mathematical processors that perform swift and energy-efficient calculations using light. By employing simple algebraic operations—additions and multiplications—we can generate optical beams directly on the chips, offering advantages such as easy processing, high energy efficiency, and an impressive bandwidth exceeding 5000 GHz.
In today’s digital era, where all information is converted into binary code, there is a growing realization that digital processing becomes less viable as data volumes increase. Andrea Melloni, Director of Polifab, Politecnico di Milano’s micro and nanotechnology center, emphasizes the need to reconsider analog technologies, which rely on specialized circuits called analog co-processors. These circuits serve as enablers for the future wireless interconnection systems of 5G and 6G. The newly developed chips align perfectly with this vision.
Marc Sorel, Professor of Electronics at the TeCIP Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, highlights the significance of analog computing using optical processors in various fields. These include mathematical accelerators for neuromorphic systems, high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, quantum computers, cryptography, advanced localization, positioning and sensor systems, and any other system requiring rapid processing of vast amounts of data.
This breakthrough research was co-funded under the NRRP by the RESTART research and development program, aimed at making Italy a smarter nation through advancements in telecommunications systems and networks. Within the program, Prof. Andrea Melloni and Prof. Piero Castaldi lead the ‘HePIC’ focused project and ‘Rigoletto’ structural project at Politecnico di Milano and Istituto TeCIP, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna Pisa, respectively. These projects aim to develop next-generation photonic integrated circuits and optical transport networks that will support the infrastructure for future 6G networks.
The study published in Nature Photonics not only promises groundbreaking advancements in optical wireless technology but also lays the foundation for numerous applications involving mathematical acceleration, high-speed data processing, and optimization of wireless interconnectivity systems. As technology continues to advance, these discoveries will play a vital role in shaping the future of communication and data processing.
With this latest breakthrough, the possibilities for optical wireless technology appear limitless. The ability to calculate the optimal shape of light to pass through any environment opens doors for more efficient and reliable data transmission, revolutionizing various industries that rely on high-speed processing and connectivity. As researchers continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, the future of optical wireless technology looks brighter than ever.
