16 - We Have Chemistry

In our day-to-day work in telecommunications engineering, it’s easy to separate our tasks from the sciences that make them possible. We’ve grown so accustomed to the groundbreaking discoveries that underpin our field that we might forget how extraordinary they truly are. This blog has already delved into physics and particles like photons and neutrinos, as well as social sciences, addressing the digital divide and global conflicts. Today, let’s focus on a different scientific realm: chemistry.

Surprised? If so, you may fall into the category of those who have become engrossed in the tasks of configuring GUIs or CLIs, forgetting the scientific marvels that power telecommunications. This article aims to rekindle your sense of wonder by spotlighting a fascinating element from the periodic table: Erbium—a rare earth metal that plays a vital role in modern telecommunications.

The Discovery of Erbium

Erbium was first identified in 1843 by Carl Gustaf Mosander, a Swedish chemist who discovered it within the mineral gadolinite. Mosander's work was part of a broader effort to isolate rare earth elements, many of which were initially grouped together due to their similar chemical properties. Despite its discovery in the 19th century, erbium’s practical uses remained largely unexplored for over a century.

It was later found that this element had unique optical properties—particularly its ability to emit light in the infrared spectrum—which eventually brought it into the spotlight. These properties laid the foundation for Erbium’s pivotal role in telecommunications.

Erbium’s First Uses in Telecommunications

The practical applications of Erbium in telecommunications began to emerge in the late 20th century, thanks to advancements in fiber optics. The invention of the Erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) in the 1980s revolutionized long-distance communication. Before EDFAs, signals transmitted through fiber optics would weaken over long distances, requiring frequent electronic regeneration. This process was not only costly but also limited the scalability of optical networks.

If you’ve ever implemented or troubleshot Layer One or Layer Two services over a certain distance you are familiar with the popular 1550nm wavelength that you can hand off from an optical chassis or router. This wavelength comes from using an EDFA's ability to pump a lesser wavelength up to 1550nm and expand the distance of a signal with less degradation.

How Fiber Optic EDFAs Revolutionized Communications

EDFAs transformed fiber optic networks by allowing signals to be amplified directly in the optical domain without the need for electronic conversion. When an optical signal passes through an erbium-doped fiber, a pump laser excites the erbium ions, amplifying the signal without distorting it.

This innovation drastically reduced the cost and complexity of long-distance data transmission, enabling the development of high-capacity networks that form the backbone of our internet, telecommunications, and global communication systems today.

Standard optics can get 80-100km distance (about 65 miles), and in a lot of cases with an EDFA added at the end of that, you can amplify the signal of wavelengths between 1535nm and 1565nm to keep it going for another 70-90km with minimal signal degradation. This extension can make a big difference. For reference, this is approximately the distance between downtown Washington DC and downtown Baltimore.

The Future of Fiber Amplification and EDFAs

As the demand for higher bandwidth and faster speeds grows, EDFAs continue to evolve. Researchers are exploring ways to enhance the efficiency of erbium-doped fibers and integrate them into next-generation optical systems. For example:

• Hybrid Amplification Technologies: Combining erbium-doped fibers with other amplifying materials to extend amplification ranges and improve efficiency.

• Space-Based Applications: EDFAs are being tested in space-based telecommunications systems, where their ability to operate over vast distances is particularly valuable. Specifically, Erbium is being used for laser communications outside of the atmosphere to communicate over the expansive distances of space.

• Quantum Communications: As quantum technologies advance, erbium could play a role in enabling secure quantum communication systems by amplifying weak quantum signals.

Conclusion: Rekindling the Love for Science in Telecommunications

The story of erbium is a reminder of the deep interconnection between the sciences and engineering. Chemistry, like physics and social sciences, plays a crucial role in enabling the technologies we rely on every day.

By appreciating the scientific breakthroughs that power our field, we can reignite our passion for innovation and problem-solving. Telecommunications isn’t just about GUIs (Graphic User Interfaces) and CLIs (Command Line Interfaces)—it’s about the incredible science that allows us to connect the world. Let’s never lose sight of how cool our careers truly are.

So, the next time you configure a network or troubleshoot a fiber connection, take a moment to learn more and marvel at the chemistry—and the science as a whole—that makes it all possible.