The thrust is being pursued by the UP Diliman-National Institute of Physics (NIP) in recognition of the demand for faster, flexible, more reliable, and cost-effective telecommuni-cations systems.
First, some explanation of terms:
• Photonic fiber refers to either optical or photonic crystal fibers.
• Optical fiber is based on the technology that uses glass (or plastic) threads (fibers) in transmitting information.
Telecommunication companies have been shifting to fiber optic cables over traditional copper-based communications or telephone lines.
Fiber optic cables can carry and transfer more data in a matter of seconds because of their greater bandwidth than copper-based cables.
Moreover, fiber optic cables are less immune to glitches or interference and can even withstand extreme shock and vibration.
Photonic crystal fibers, on the other hand, are designed to improve on the optical limitations of conventional fibers used for telecommunications.
This type of fiber is characterized by a unique structure featuring a periodic matrix of airholes, more like a honeycomb surrounding a glass or hollow core.
The NIP has established a laboratory to train its students in the technology of fiber optics to provide manpower to the local telecoms industry. The laboratory is also open to other sectors outside UP for training and consultation services.
Dr. Wilson Garcia, program coordinator of the NIP photonics research group, said they are also exploring advanced topics such as the use of photonic crystal fiber to generate supercontinuum (SC) light with a femtosecond laser.
Compared to typical light sources, SC light is highly directional with high output power, ultrashort pulse duration, and relatively flat and broad spectrum.
It can be used for holography (handwriting), spectroscopy (interpretation of interactions between matter and radiation), and microscopy (the use of or investigation with the microscope).
Garcia said their research output would benefit the IT and semiconductor industry. Moreover, R&D personnel will be exposed and trained on the use of fiber optic technology, which will help them improve existing technologies.
NIP’s initiatives in pursuing advanced R&D in fiber optics technology are backstopped by the Philippine Council for Advanced Science and Technology Research and Development (PCASTRD) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
PCASTRD has provided funds to the NIP to acquire high-tech equipment such as fiber optic cleaver and optic mounts and positioners to be used in conducting research in fiber optics.
Since 1987, according to Janet Rosalie Anne Polita, PCASTRD has been supporting its network institutions such as NIP-UP Diliman in upgrading its equipment to be able to conduct R&D technologies that are at par with those of neighboring countries.