Faster Internet Could Involve Twisting Light Itself, Truly Wireless Data Transfer

As the world comes to rely more on information technology to function, faster internet connection is becoming one of the biggest issues that need to be addressed. Modern wireless or fiber optic technology is already capable of transferring gigabits of data per second, but that won’t be enough. That’s why scientists are looking at the possibility of twisting light itself for faster internet connection.

This new “twisted light” technology was developed by researchers at the UK’s University of Glasgow. According to the study’s lead author Dr. Martin Lavery in a press release, their method requires no wiring to transfer fast internet across an open space.

“In an age where our global data consumption is growing at an exponential rate, there is mounting pressure to discover new methods of information carrying that can keep up with the huge uptake in data across the world,” Dr. Lavery said. “A complete, working optical angular momentum communications system capable of transmitting data wirelessly across free space has the potential to transform online access for developing countries, defence systems and cities around the world.

“Free space optics is a solution that can potentially give us the bandwidth of fibre, but without the requirement for physical cabling. This study takes vital steps forward in the journey towards high dimensional free space optics that can be a cheaper, more accessible alternative to buried fibre optics connections.”

The team published their findings on Science Advances, where the researchers described their methods and the goal for the study. Through something called ‘optical angular momentum’ (OAM), the researchers were able to pass photons through a special holographic pathway.

Naturally, this kind of technology comes with limitations. Due to the nature of photons, transferring them from outdoor sources to indoor receivers is going to be a challenge. There is also the matter of extreme weather conditions to consider. Still, it’s a step in the right direction.