Sending Data at the Speed of Light
Google , Amazon , Verizon and Netflix – these diverse companies all have one thing in common . They store and transmit vast amounts of data on a daily basis . Whether it ’ s a movie , online purchase or a simple search term , data must be located and communicated at a rapid rate – and one local researcher found a way to make the process more efficient .
Recognizing this need , Fathpour and his team set out to create a smaller , more efficient optical modulator – and they successfully accomplished their goal . Working with researchers at Orlandobased Partow Technologies through the Florida High Tech Corridor ’ s Matching Grants Research Program ( MGRP ), Fathpour was able to develop a modulator that requires a lot less voltage and is significantly smaller in size .
As the technology moves closer to commercialization , Fathpour envisions his modulators being used by companies like Cisco , Nokia and Ericsson that make components of the optical fiber networking system . Ultimately , those suppliers would provide Fathpour ’ s technology to end-users like Amazon and AT & T , which can then transmit more data and provide a better experience for customers .
In many instances , whether it ’ s cable television , telephone or the internet , data is transmitted via optical fibers . Years ago , copper wires were the industry standard , but due to a lack of efficiency , fiber optics quickly became the new norm . This important technology codes information in a beam of light and sends it through a cable made up of thin strands known as optical fibers .
With this change , however , came a need for smarter and faster modulators , which are key devices that help with the transmission of data via optical fibers . The modulator serves as the “ switch ” that turns the light traveling through the fibers off and on . Without the modulator , data cannot be sent and received optically .
“ Current modulators are fast , but they are bulky and power hungry ,” said Dr . Sasan Fathpour , associate professor of optics and photonics at the University of Central Florida . “ As the internet and data centers move to fiber optics , there is a need for cheaper , more compact modulators to transmit large amounts of data .”
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“ The technology we are developing allows us to reduce costs significantly and , at the same time , achieve much higher functionality in a very compact device ,” said Payam Rabiei , CEO of Partow Technologies . “ It ’ s very exciting to be a pioneer in developing new technologies that make life easier .”
With funding from MGRP , Fathpour and Rabiei have been able to make critical progress in their research and even hire students as full-time employees .
“ These funds were instrumental because , once we thought about commercializing the technology , we were far away from anything close to a product ,” said Fathpour . “ The money from The Corridor allowed us to start establishing our company and move toward commercialization .”