NTT has unveiled a groundbreaking technology named the Optical Lattice Clock Network (OLC-NW), marking a significant leap in disaster prevention and communication systems. This innovative network utilizes optical lattice clocks, renowned for their unparalleled precision—over 100,000 times more accurate than conventional telecom frequency standards. The OLC-NW not only promises real-time solutions for earthquake and volcano disaster prediction but also enhances the reliability of 5G/6G communications.
Unlike traditional clocks, optical lattice clocks boast an extraordinary precision, with a deviation of only one second in 30 billion years. Recognizing this potential, NTT has crafted a network that transfers highly precise optical frequencies through planar lightwave circuits via optical fibers, fortifying social infrastructure.
The core of this technology lies in its ability to measure real-time height differences by detecting frequency variations in optical lattice clocks across extensive optical fiber networks. This breakthrough offers the potential to predict and measure crustal movements preceding natural disasters like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
Beyond disaster prevention, optical lattice clocks can play a crucial role in maintaining synchronization for advanced communication networks like 5G and future 6G, particularly during disruptions in GPS signals.
The OLC-NW technology extends its utility to various domains, including:
- Climate Monitoring and Environmental Studies: By precisely measuring the Earth’s crust movements, the technology contributes to understanding climate change effects, such as sea-level rise and glacial movements.
- Network Synchronization for Data Centers: OLC technology can enhance network synchronization in data centers, vital for the efficiency of cloud computing and internet services.
- Quantum Computing and Networking: In the evolving landscape of quantum technologies, precise timekeeping becomes crucial for synchronization in quantum networks and computers.
NTT’s optical lattice clocks signify not just the utilization of existing technology but a commitment to innovation. The development of optical frequency repeaters using planar lightwave circuits (PLC) represents a significant stride in achieving ultra-high precision frequency transmission, especially in noise-intensive urban environments. PLC technology involves creating integrated optical circuits on a flat substrate, facilitating compact and efficient integration of optical components essential for fiber optic communication systems and various photonics applications. Additionally, NTT has engineered a low-noise photoelectric conversion system, incorporating an optical frequency comb and a prototype photoelectric conversion device, both pivotal for ensuring long-term stability and precision in timekeeping and frequency distribution.
The Optical Lattice Clock Network signifies a fusion of precision timekeeping and practical application. By harnessing the extraordinary accuracy of optical lattice clocks, NTT is not only revolutionizing disaster prevention but also paving the way for the future of telecommunications through real-time measurements and communication stability.
