|
|
Engineers use device to
enhance optical communications
By Luis Jiménez
Summer
Reporter
Two Purdue engineers have discovered that a device
used in "untangling" signals sent over fiber optic lines could be modified
to speed up optical communication applications.
This device, known as channel "de-multiplexer",
is used in optical applications to untangle or "de-multiplex" the signals
sent over an optical fiber.
Optical fibers are hair thin glass lines that are
capable of transmitting large amounts of data over as many as 100 channels.
When this data reaches the other end of the connection, the channels
are mixed together and that is where the "de-multiplexer" comes into
play.
Andrew Weiner, professor of electrical and computer
engineering, said through research they have come to the realization
that this device, otherwise called an arrayed wave guide grating, can
be used not only to untangle the signals that travel through optic fiber
lines, but also to increase the transmission speed and the amount of
data that can be sent over a single channel.
Daniel Leaird, a research engineer, said these
commercial devices have the capability to "untangle" anywhere from a
few to hundreds of channels; however, by slightly altering the way these
devices are designed; they could yield a new functionality.
Leaird said that the redesigned device would be
able to turn a single pulse of laser light into a rapid-fire burst of
pulses. This would mean that by sending short optical pulses into these
devices, one could get a burst of pulses out, where the speed of these
pulses is at least 10 times faster than current optical communications
systems.
Although the research currently is not involving
any data transmission, Leaird said they have some ideas lined up to
start proving their research from a practical standpoint.
Potential applications of this research include
the increase in speed and capacity of optical fiber lines, which can
lead to faster Internet data transmittal rates.
|
Budget
plan to increase student fees next school year
Education
department head to serve as new interim dean
Young
GOP group creates chapter in Tippecanoe
Science
program to benefit schools; equipment provided for the students
Contractors
to finish restoring Purdue University water tower
Professor's
research technique renders better information of geological record
Engineers
use device to enhance optical communications
Researcher
develops way to detect low fuel levels
CAMPUS DESK PHONE:
(765)
743-1111 ext. 253
Campus editor:
Laura Pelner
Assistant campus
editors: Kurt Esposito,
Dave Stephens
To
send a letter to the editor, please email opinions@purdueexponent.org
|
