Pioneering Optical Fibre Research in Lisbon
The Lisbon University Institute (ISCTE) is set to establish the world's largest terrestrial multicore fibre (MCF) testbed within the operational tunnels of the Lisbon Metro's Yellow Line. This groundbreaking project, valued at approximately €2.3 million, positions Portugal at the forefront of optical communications research and development. The initiative aims to rigorously test and validate advanced fibre optic technologies under real-world conditions, addressing the escalating demand for data transmission capacity.
Advancing Next-Generation Fibre Optics
The current and previous generations of optical fibres are nearing their saturation point in communication capacity. Multicore fibre technology offers a solution by enabling substantially increased transmission capacity and bandwidth through the use of multiple cores within a single fibre, unlike traditional single-core fibres. The testbed will feature a sophisticated cable infrastructure:
- 74 multi-core optical fibres
- 64 fibres with four cores each
- 10 fibres with seven cores each
- Totaling 326 data transmission channels
Once interconnected, these fibres will create an equivalent length of 728 kilometers, representing 28 full loops along a 26-kilometer ring, specifically utilizing the 13-kilometer stretch of the Yellow Line between Odivelas and Largo do Rato. This setup will allow for comprehensive testing of various MCF types to assess their quality and transmission limitations in a live environment.
Unique Real-World Testing Environment
The installation within the Lisbon Metro tunnels provides an unparalleled testing environment. According to Adolfo Cartaxo, technical lead of the project and a professor at Instituto de Telecomunicações - Iscte, 'Tests are carried out inside the tunnels of an operating metro line, exposing the cables to vibrations, temperature changes, humidity, noise, and constant movement.' This unique setup offers 'unmatched conditions to validate new optical cable and multicore fibre technologies in real-world scenarios, at a scale not found anywhere else in the world.' The system will be continuously monitored from ISCTE's Optical Communications Laboratory. Installation of the first section is anticipated by mid-to-late October, with the full loop expected to be completed by the end of the year, becoming fully operational for the global scientific community within a few months.
Collaborative Effort and Funding
The €2.3 million project is a collaborative endeavor involving several key partners. ISCTE leads the initiative, with significant support from Metropolitano de Lisboa. Key industrial partners include Heraeus Covantics, a German company specializing in high-purity quartz products for fibre optic manufacturing, Telcabo, responsible for cable installation, and the Italian group Tratos Cavi, which supplies the protective cable. The project's funding includes €588,000 from European funds via the Lisboa 2030 Program, with the remaining investment provided by ISCTE's own resources. This project also stems from a European doctorate in optical communications, led by ISCTE in partnership with four other universities and several companies.
5 Comments
Fuerza
Hope this doesn't cause metro delays. Public transport should be the priority.
Manolo Noriega
Collaboration with international partners is a strength, though I hope the project ensures that the primary benefits and intellectual property remain strongly tied to Portuguese institutions and talent.
Fuerza
Multicore fibre technology promises significant capacity increases, but the long-term scalability and upgrade path beyond this initial testbed need to be clearly outlined to ensure continued relevance.
Ongania
Unparalleled real-world testing conditions. This will yield invaluable data.
Manolo Noriega
While it's great for Portugal's scientific reputation, the high cost of €2.3 million needs to be justified with tangible, long-term economic benefits for the country.