Ultra-low-loss fluoride glass optical fibres for the future global network

二氧化硅光纤的传输损耗限制了全球互联网的容量。含氟玻璃纤维有可能将损失减少10倍以上。该项目旨在克服超低损耗氟化物光纤网络的两个技术挑战：(1)改进光纤的商业规模制造和(2)2.3μm的信号放大。通过产生关于稀土跃迁和玻璃晶体形成的新基础知识，预期的结果包括为空间制造优化的创新纤维制造方法。好处将包括提高互联网容量，降低能源需求，并有机会在澳大利亚建立氟化物光纤制造的主权能力。

The transmission loss of silica optical fibres limits the capacity of the global internet. Fluoride glass fibres have the potential of reducing the loss by more than 10 times. This project aims to overcome two of the technological challenges of the ultra-low-loss fluoride fibre optics network: (1) commercial-scale manufacturing of improved fibres and (2) signal amplification at 2.3μm. By generating new fundamental knowledge on rare-earth transitions and glass crystal formation, expected outcomes include innovative fibre fabrication methods optimised for space manufacturing. Benefits will include enhanced internet capacity with lower energy requirements, and opportunities for sovereign capability in fluoride fibre fabrication in Australia.