Unlock the mysteries behind the cables and connections that power our digital lives with Nokia Bell Labs' Xi (Vivian) Chen and Fatima Gunning, from Tyndall National Institute. This episode promises a fascinating exploration into the world of high-speed optical fiber communications—a vital yet often overlooked cornerstone of modern technology. As we journey from the switch from copper to the latest in fiber technology, you'll discover the incredible engineering feats that allow you to stream, browse, and connect at the speed of light.

Join us as the experts also discuss topics like the transition from materials like lithium niobate to the realms of silicon photonics and indium phosphide—all pivotal in our quest for faster data transmission. Further conversations are had on the challenges of adapting these technologies to new fiber types and how innovations like multicore and few-mode fibers could redefine the landscape of global connectivity.

However, the chat isn't just about bits and bytes; reflect on the values that underpin successful leadership in science and the fresh perspectives brought in by emerging talent. By the end of this episode, you'll be looking at the tangle of cords behind your desk with a newfound reverence for the photons racing through them and the people behind the innovation!

Host:
Thierry Lapinte-Leclerc
PhD Student
Boston University, USA

Moderator:
Fatima Garcia-Gunning
Senior Staff Researcher
Tyndall National Institute, Ireland

Expert:
Xi (Vivian) Chen
Department Head, Optoelectronic Sub-systems 
Nokia Bell Labs, USA

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