Technology


Optical interconnects to supersede electrical ones in AI data centres thanks to Enlightra technology


Swiss photonics company, Enlightra, has developed compact multi-channel laser sources based on optical frequency comb technology that promises to supersede electrical interconnects in AI data centres. As AI workloads grow, traditional electrical


connections are reaching their limits, which in turn drives the adoption of optical interconnects, for greater speed, bandwidth and energy efficiency. Enlightra’s microcomb technology


generates multiple precisely-spaced optical wavelengths from a single laser, providing a scalable alternative to using separate lasers for every optical communication channel. For reliable, high-speed data transmission, each comb laser must provide the required number of channels at consistent power levels, whilst maintaining accurate channel spacing, low noise and high optical signal-to-noise ratio. Te Enlightra system generates between


Enlightra uses Yokogawa optical spectrum analyzers for testing and validation


eight and 32 comb lines, with channel spacing ranging from 100GHz to 800GHz and power per line exceeding 7dBm across O-band datacom and C-band telecom wavelengths. In addition to providing the requisite number of channels at the desired power levels and flatness, comb lasers must also possess a large optical signal-to-noise ratio to support error-free data transmission in next generation AI data centres.


Because Enlightra characterises thousands


of photonic chips during development, measurement speed and repeatability are critical. Accurately visualising and validating these closely spaced optical lines is therefore essential throughout the development process. To measure the number of channels, line spacing, power per line, channel-to- channel power variation and the optical noise floor, Enlightra engineers turned to Yokogawa’s optical spectrum analyzers. Tese instruments have enabled it to rapidly capture high-resolution measurements across a broad wavelength range without compromising accuracy. Te Yokogawa AQ6370E optical spectrum


analyzer offers a resolution of 0.02nm, enabling clear separation of individual comb lines, while its high close-in dynamic range of over 70dB reveals a clean noise floor between channels.


Modern tool employed to decipher ancient old papyri text


Flir thermal imaging technology is helping researchers in Italy unlock hidden text from the Herculaneum papyri, a unique collection of ancient manuscripts carbonised during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Using pulsed thermography that leverages


the 2.775MHz fast analogue lock-in input port offered by advanced Flir thermal imaging cameras, scientists are recovering writing previously invisible to the naked eye, whilst also gaining new insight into the fragile internal structure of the documents. Te papyri were discovered during


excavations in the 18th century, at the Villa dei Papyri in Herculaneum. Many were mechanically unrolled centuries ago and mounted on supporting boards, leaving the resulting fragments extremely fragile and unreadable. Conventional imaging methods


and X-ray techniques failed to decipher them entirely, but pulsed thermography held a greater promise. Te technique combines controlled light excitation with high-speed thermal imaging. Te method works by illuminating the papyrus with a short pulse of light and recording the resulting thermal response over time; see photo. Te Flir X-Series thermal imaging


cameras combine high-speed, high- sensitivity infrared imaging with advanced thermal management capabilities. Operating in the mid-wave infrared spectrum, these cameras enabled researchers to capture rapid thermal events with exceptional sensitivity, allowing subtle temperature differences between inked and non-inked areas of the papyri to become visible during pulsed thermography analysis.


04 September 2026 www.electronicsworld.co.uk


Flir thermal imaging helps reveal hidden text in ancient Herculaneum papyri [Credit: S. Ceccarelli et al.]


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