Sterlite Technologies Limited launches multicore fibre technology, paving way for quantum communications and silicon photonics

Sterlite Technologies Limited (STL) has launched a groundbreaking innovation in the field of optical communications: its revolutionary MultiCore Fibre (MCF) suite. Unveiled at IMC 2024, this new technology marks a significant milestone in STL’s journey to advance optical communications and contribute to India’s ‘Make-in-India’ initiative. The MCF suite features ultra-thin fibre with multiple cores, specifically seven and four cores, unlike traditional single-core designs. These cables are manufactured using STL’s indigenous multicore preform technology, demonstrating the company’s capability in driving digital transformation through local innovation.

STL showcased its new MCF technology through a live 400G network transmission at the event, which simulated real-time traffic, illustrating the capabilities of their advanced multicore solution. This innovative technology is expected to accelerate the deployment of quantum communications and silicon photonics on a large scale, setting a new benchmark in optical network solutions.

Neeraj Mittal, Secretary of the Department of Telecommunications, praised STL’s efforts, stating that this new multicore fibre aims to tackle the issue of increasing transmission capacity per fibre, which is crucial for advancing quantum communications and silicon photonics. His comments underscored the growing need for advanced technologies in India’s tech sector and how STL is playing a vital role in fulfilling these requirements.

The MCF technology utilises Space Division Multiplexing (SDM), enabling high transmission capacities within the same fibre diameter. This innovation was previously tested in the Advanced Optical Communications Test Bed project in partnership with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and IIT Chennai, further validating its efficiency in real-world conditions.

Experts like Anil Prabhakar, a professor at IIT Madras and principal investigator of the National Quantum Mission Hub on Quantum Communications, have highlighted the immense impact this fibre could have on quantum networks. By providing multiple spatial channels for quantum information transmission, STL’s MCF can significantly boost the efficiency and capacity of quantum communication systems. The professor noted that such advancements align with the National Quantum Mission’s aspirations, placing India at the forefront of quantum technology deployment.

Shankar Kumar Selvaraja, chair professor at the Centre for Nano Science and Engineering at IISc Bangalore, further commented on the potential of silicon photonics and how multicore fibre could play a pivotal role. He explained that integrating silicon photonics with multicore fibre would maximise bandwidth capabilities, driving miniaturisation and high-density connectivity necessary for real-time applications like accelerated computing and defence.

Dr. Badri Gomatam, CTO of STL, expressed pride in the development of the MCF technology, which took over two decades of research. He emphasized that this innovation would be critical for scaling advanced technologies such as quantum computing and silicon photonics. According to Dr. Gomatam, the success of STL’s MCF not only exemplifies technological achievement but also showcases India’s potential as a leader in digital innovation.

Leading experts have hailed STL’s multicore fibre as a pivotal technology for quantum communications. Anil Prabhakar from IIT Madras explained that the unique ability of the multicore fibre to support multiple spatial channels could dramatically enhance quantum network infrastructure, connecting quantum computers and sensors efficiently. He highlighted the alignment with India’s National Quantum Mission, stating that this innovation could help India establish itself as a global leader in quantum technology.