I believe either Lucent or AT&T announced a "free space" optical communication system awhile back. Basically, it shines the light beam through a telescope, ie a laser beam, through the air. It is useful between buildings in cities, where microwave links are crowded and possibly difficult to license. Market is in the metro areas, especially for "private" networks, ala intranets. However, it can be blocked by rain and fog, unless the distance is very short. I believe this will be a "niche" market, not big. Microwave links are very cheap. Freespace optical can already be done without EDFA amplifiers, and there are significant safety issues if the optical power gets too high.
Maybe in space between satellites would work...again, niche market...the US Gov was investing in the technology for a long time and nothing came of it...
CATV, now that could be big, as a fiber optic distribution amplifier for new digital CATV networks AT&T is SUPPOSED to be investing in....let's see! Not sure if it can transmit analog TV signals though...so market may take some time to develop...need to wait for digital TV wave...
Long SDLI! |
