Fiber optics: 1970

Article Abstract:

Successful induction of a semiconductor laser diode to lase continuously at room temperature was first accomplished in 1970. Bell Laboratories and Corning Glass Works' successful production of a single-mode silica glass fiber with no more than a 20dB per kilometer light loss are two main events in the development of fiber optics communication. Several years of subsequent laser diode development has arrived at practical, long-lived and reliable long-wavelength lasing devices based on an indium gallium arsenide phosphide on an indium phosphide substrate. Over the same period significant improvements were made in the clarity and purity of optical fibers. Consequently the first major field demonstration was conducted by Western Electric in Atlanta, GA in 1976; commercial systems were tested by GTE in Southern California and by Bell Systems in Chicago in 1977.

Corning Inc., GLW, Fiber optics, AT&T Bell Laboratories Inc., LEDs, Lasers, Laser, Light-Emitting Diodes, Optical Communication

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Technical challenges to a decentralized phone system

Article Abstract:

Since the breakup in 1984 of the Bell System, approximately 550 interexchange carriers have been established which transmit over a third of the U.S.'s long-distance telephone traffic. Western Electric Company no longer dominates the equipment market, now having to compete with countless vendors. Standards have become a major issue within the telephone industry. Standards are first worked out first in the Committee T1, then are reviewed by the State Department's US National Committee for the CCITT and sent to the International Telegraph and Telephone Consultative Committee (CCITT). Waiting for standards has slowed down network innovations and equipment vendors are reluctant to take risks in feature development. Sources state that service has improved since the breakup but it is not clear if this is because of new technology or decentralization.

Standards, Standard, Standardization, Telephone companies, Divestiture, Divestment, Industry Analysis, Telephone Company, Decentralization, International Telegraph and Telephone Consultative Committee

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Packing density

Article Abstract:

AT&T Bell Laboratories demonstrates a revolutionary new data storage technique that lets data densities approach 7G-bits per square centimeter on conventional magneto-opto materials. The technique achieves nearly 300 times that of current magnetic storage capabilities and 100 times the density of today's best commercial magneto-optic methods. The technique's secret is to read and write the bits by shining laser light through a tapered optical fiber rather than through a lens; the taper is formed by heating the fiber and stretching it into a thread until it breaks. Conventional magneto-optical data storage systems limit the smallest bit that can be written by the diffraction of light to about the wavelength of the light shone through the lens.

Computer peripherals industry, Computer storage devices, Product introduction, Performance improvement (Computers), Lucent Technologies Inc. Bell Laboratories, New Technique, Performance Improvement, Storage density, Magneto-optical devices, Magneto-Optical Disk Drive, Magneto-optical disk drives

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