Feature

Undersea lightwave systems

P.K. Runge

Undersea lightwave communications systems have made rapid advances toward meeting the ever increasing service needs for transoceanic communications. The first generation of undersea systems was installed in 1988 and provided service between North America and Europe across the Atlantic Ocean and between North America and Japan across the Pacific. The second generation system, operating at twice the capacity of the first, is scheduled for service in 1991. Further rapid growth is predicted on both markets, and future technological options are discussed that are capable of meeting these needs.