Kuala lumpur: While riding his motorcycle along a highway, a commuter noticed a billboard promoting TIME Fibre Home Internet's 200Mbps service for RM99/month. This advertisement highlighted the common association of optical fibres with internet services. However, the role of optical fibres extends far beyond merely providing fast internet, contributing significantly to various technological advancements and industries.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, optical fibres transmit signals using light rather than electrical currents, which allows for faster and more stable data transmission. This fundamental difference enables optical fibres to excel in areas prone to electrical interference, making them ideal for various applications beyond internet connectivity.
In Malaysia, Universiti Malaya's Photonics Research Centre (PRCUM) has been pioneering advancements in the field of photonics, the science of light-based technologies, for decades. Established initially as a laser laboratory in 1979, it gained recognition as a Higher Education Centre of Excellence in 2014. Over the years, PRCUM has contributed to training experts and developing new technologies in photonics, thereby enhancing Malaysia's presence in this global industry.
One of the key applications of optical fibre technology is in sensing, where it can detect parameters like temperature, strain, and chemical analytes, among others. Unlike traditional electrical sensors, optical fibre sensors are unaffected by electrical interference, making them reliable in harsh environments such as industrial plants and power stations.
Safety is another crucial advantage of optical fibre sensors. Since they do not carry electrical currents, they eliminate the risk of sparks in flammable environments, making them ideal for use in chemical plants and oil and gas facilities.
Beyond sensing, PRCUM researchers are working on developing high-power fibre lasers with extremely short pulse durations. These femtosecond lasers allow for precise cutting with minimal heat damage, essential in medical and surgical procedures. The interaction of different light wavelengths with various materials further enhances the precision and safety of medical applications, particularly in surgical procedures involving tissue cutting.
Photonics technology, once unfamiliar to the public, is gradually becoming integral to modern life. Introducing this field to students, especially those interested in science and STEM, could lead to the development of local photonics-based technologies and reduce reliance on foreign expertise. PRCUM aspires to be a hub for nurturing the next generation of photonics experts in Malaysia, potentially leading to significant scientific achievements such as producing a Nobel Laureate in Physics.
In essence, the story of photonics is not about replacing electricity but offering alternative solutions to technological challenges.