Bridge to the Speed of Light
The GRIN-PLC mode-field adapter that makes HCF deployment practical while direct-connect technology matures.
Pre-Production
Pilot Program Available
2026 Production Roadmap
1.54µs/km Latency Reduction
Hollow Core Fiber propagates light at ~99.7% the speed of light in vacuum versus ~69% in solid silica. For AI Job Completion Time (JCT) budgets and synchronous storage replication, this theoretical gain (validated by physics models) extends GPU cluster reach by up to 30% before latency penalties accumulate. Note: Performance specifications are pre-production targets based on fiber physics and component modeling.
GRIN-PLC Mode Field Adapter
The integrated Gradient-Index Planar Lightwave Circuit provides adiabatic tapering to match HCF’s large mode field (~20µm) to standard SMF (~10µm). This precision MFA (Mode Field Adapter) block achieves ≤0.30dB insertion loss (target) while suppressing higher-order modes by ≥20dB—critical for maintaining signal integrity in coherent 800G/1.6T links.
Sealed Core Technology
The PLC transition block acts as a permanent environmental barrier, protecting the HCF’s air core from humidity and CO₂ ingress. Unlike direct HCF connectors (still in development industry-wide), this pigtail approach seals the vulnerable HCF terminus within a hermetic package, using proven photonics packaging techniques already deployed at scale by major cloud operators.
Standard Splicing, Extreme Performance
No exotic equipment required. The Aether-HCF pigtail uses standard arc fusion splicers and standard TIA-598-C color coding (Blue, Orange, etc.) for rapid field identification. Experienced splicers can achieve reliable HCF-to-HCF splices in the field, with the Aether-Tray providing dedicated slots for the PLC housing and splice sleeve protection. Compatible with Local and Global HCF sources.
Technical Specifications
Specifications represent pre-production targets. ADTEK is actively tuning manufacturing processes for large-scale production. Contact our engineering team for current pilot sample performance data and availability.
SC
LC
Mechanical & Environmental:
Input Fiber:Standard SMF (G.652.D / G.657.A2)
Output Fiber:Single-Mode Anti-Resonant Fiber (DNANF/NANF) – Compatible with several HCF sources
Operating Temperature:-40°C to +85°C
Minimum Bend Radius (HCF stub):≥15mm (follow manufacturer spec)
Buffer Diameter:900µm tight-buffered HCF stubs
Transition Technology:Mechanical coupling to GRIN-PLC block with hermetic sealing
Standards Compliance:
Color Coding:TIA-598-C standard
HCF Standards:Pre-standard ITU-T (referencing ongoing working group activities)
Connectors:LC, SC, FC, E2000/LSH (UPC/APC options)
Packaging:
Aether-Tray Compatibility:Optimized for ADTEK Aether-Tray with dedicated PLC slots and splice sleeve nesting
Configuration:Simplex, Duplex, 12-Fiber Kit, 24-Fiber Kit
Optical Performance (Single-Mode)
Parameter
Target Specification
Notes
Insertion Loss (C-Band)
≤ 0.30 dB
Including MFA PLC transition
Return Loss (UPC)
≥ 50 dB
Standard polish
Return Loss (APC)
≥ 60 dB
≥ 60 dB
Higher-Order Mode Suppression
≥ 20 dB
Critical for coherent links
Propagation Latency Gain
~1.54µs/km
Versus standard SMF
Non-Linear Coefficient
~1000x lower than silica
Enables >3W launch power capability
Application Scenarios
Extend GPU Reach Without JCT Penalties
Distributed AI training clusters face hard Job Completion Time limits. By bridging HCF trunks into your existing InfiniBand or Ethernet switches, the Aether-HCF pigtail extends the physical separation between GPU racks by ~30% before latency budgets break. Maintain synchronous training across metro distances or larger campus footprints while your equipment remains standard SMF-interface.
Push 1.6T Further
HCF’s near-zero non-linearity allows higher optical launch power without signal distortion. For 800G and emerging 1.6T coherent transceivers, this means extended reach without expensive DSP compensation or amplifiers. The bridge pigtail brings this advantage to your existing coherent optics—no need to wait for native HCF transceivers.
Zero-Delay Metro Rings
Financial and hyperscale storage applications require synchronous replication across metropolitan distances. The 1.54µs/km latency reduction versus SMF enables true zero-delay mirroring over distances that would introduce unacceptable lag in silica fiber. Bridge your storage array’s standard fiber ports to HCF campus rings.
Join the HCF Pilot Program
Ready to evaluate Hollow Core Fiber for your next-generation AI or DCI platform? ADTEK is accepting OEM partners for the Aether-HCF Bridge Pigtail pilot program. Receive engineering samples, Aether-Tray compatibility kits, and integration support for your specific transceiver and cable requirements.