1958
Bell Labs pioneered the concept of the laser (optical maser) in 1958, enabling the development of the first working laser demonstrated in 1960.
the forefront of technological revolution
A Legacy of Breakthroughs, A Future of Possibilities
At Lightera, innovation is at the heart of everything we do. We foster a culture of continuous improvement and transformation, embracing challenges and collaborating across disciplines. Through our dedicated Research & Development (R&D) team and strategic partnerships with leading universities and research institutions we remain at the forefront of optical advancements—delivering groundbreaking solutions to tackle the world’s most pressing technological challenges.
Innovating Across Industries
Our advancements shape daily life by enhancing communications, medicine, aviation, defense, sensing, and industrial automation. From enabling faster, clearer data transmission to pioneering optical technologies like non-zero dispersion fiber and submarine optical fiber, Lightera R&D drives the future of connectivity.
Our Focus Areas
Grounded in more than a century of innovation, Lightera R&D is committed to advancing:
Optical Fiber Design & Fabrication
Pushing boundaries in fiber optics.
Photonics Devices Research
Innovating the core of modern communications
Hardware & Software Development
Building holistic optical solutions
Systems Research
Creating robust optical communication networks
Highlights of Innovation
Our history reflects a dedication to creating impactful solutions. Notable achievements include
1974
Bell Labs invents the modified chemical vapor deposition (MCVD) process for fabricating silica optical fibers, a major advance in optical fiber manufacture.
1975
Bell Labs invents the Bionic connector, the first optical fiber connector.
1975
Bell Labs invents ribbon fiber optic cable systems, including 12-fiber ribbon cable and the 12-fiber mechanical splice for rapid installation of high fiber counts.
1976
Bell Labs researchers at the Atlanta facility conduct the first fiber optic telecommunications system experiment for voice and data.
1977
In Chicago, Illinois, AT&T conducts the first field trial of a Lightwave system carrying voice, data, and video traffic.
1983
AT&T begins commercialized production of single-mode optical fiber.
1988
Introduction of the first nonzero dispersion-shifted fiber.
1995
Bell Labs invents the LC Connector, a high-performance, intuitive-to-use optical connector half the size of the SC connector.
1998-2000
Lucent introduces and patents AllWave® Optical Fiber – the world’s first full-spectrum fiber, enabling a 30% increase in fiber capacity
1990
Development of submarine optical fiber for transoceanic communication.
1999
Development of an aerial optical cable featuring a ballistic barrier to prevent damage from firearms or hunting weapons.
2002-2003
first fully dry gel-free OSP cables meeting the Telcordia GR-20 standard, saving hours per cable in preparation or restoration
2004
For the specific needs of monitoring oil and gas wells, we developed the first conductive cable in Brazil.
2005
High-power fiber laser technologies for industrial applications.
2006
Development of the first cable packaging that eliminates the need to remove the spool from inside the box.
2006
Launch of GIGALAN®, the first cable on the market to feature an outer sheath with dielectric properties made of flame-retardant material.
2008-2009
EZ-Bend® Optical Fiber – the first ultra bend-insensitive solid-fiber and cable.
2010
first gel-free ADSS cable, PowerGuide® DT Cable.
2010
publishes the first investigations of multicore fiber technology, including multicore fiber, amplifiers, connectors, and studies of high-capacity transmission.
2011
publishes the first investigations of multicore fiber technology, including multicore fiber, amplifiers, connectors, and studies of high-capacity transmission.
2012
publishes the first investigations of multicore fiber technology, including multicore fiber, amplifiers, connectors, and studies of high-capacity transmission.
2014
launches FITEL® NINJA handheld fusion splicer, the first splicer with removable V-grooves, reducing maintenance time from days to minutes.
2014
SlimConnector®: the first outdoor cable with factory-installed connectors, designed for faster and more robust telecommunications installations.
2015
introduces the InvisiLight® MDU Hallway Solution, a virtually invisible fiber system for existing multiple dwelling/tenant units.
2016
Development of a messenger cable that supports power distribution elements, with optical fibers for communication between network components.
2017
optical cable product lines expanded to include new Rollable Ribbon technology, doubling fiber density.
2018
Advances in hollow-core optical fibers for high-speed data transmission.
2019
launches InvisiLight® ILU 600 Solution, the world’s first 0.6 mm surface-mount fiber system.
2019
AccuRoll® Optical Cable – Next generation outside plant workhorse cable featuring rollable ribbons.
2020
EyON® – Development of the first IoT-based sensing solution capable of monitoring optical power in passive telecommunications networks.
2020
AccuCore HCF® Optical Fiber – the first hollow-core fiber for low-latency transmission – enabled ultra-low latency transmission for latency-sensitive applications.
2022
Sherpa CMS Cable Management System – Novel device to enable cables of various types to be connected to each other in aerial outside plant deployments.
2023
Production of high-density rollable ribbon cables in Brazil.
2023
FlightLinx® PLUS Fiber Optic Cable designed for in-flight entertainment, internet access, networking, and display systems used in commercial aircraft.
2024
First major field trial of AccuCore® Hollow-Core Fiber (HCF), advancing ultra-low latency optical transmission; first installation in a standard telecom cable configuration.
2025
Introduction of Large Mode Area (LMA) Polarization Maintaining (PM) Erbium-Ytterbium (ErYb) optical fiber for high-power LiDAR and free-space communications.
2025
Launch of the InvisiLight® Home Fiber Kit, enabling end users to extend WiFi with gigabit-speed fiber connectivity within the home.
2025
Development of 13,824-fiber ultra-high-fiber-count cable, supporting next-generation high-density data center and network infrastructure.
Lightera Research & Development: A Global Hub for Optical Innovation
At Lightera, innovation knows no borders. With Research & Development (R&D) locations in key regions worldwide, we harness diverse expertise, leverage regional strengths, and accelerate the development of groundbreaking solutions. Our global presence enables us to stay at the forefront of optical advancements, addressing the evolving needs of industries and communities everywhere.
Powered by Lightera Laboratories
Lightera Laboratories is a world-leading institution for optical research and product development, built on the rich legacy of Bell Labs and Furukawa Electric’s groundbreaking research. It operates through two synergistic entities
Research and Development
Focused on scientific exploration and technological innovation, our researchers work closely with customers to transform optical communications and photonics across industries.
Turning ideas into reality
The R&D team maintains capability for rapid, low-volume manufacturing and advanced prototyping to accelerate market adoption of new technologies.
The Future of Research at Lightera R&D
Our innovations aim to revolutionize connectivity from the “last mile” to global networks.
We remain at the cutting edge by focusing on emerging technologies, including:
We remain at the cutting edge by focusing on emerging technologies, including:
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Optical sensing with Fiber Bragg gratings
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Fiber lasers and amplifiers
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Raman amplification and nonlinear optical physics
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Hollow-core optical fiber development
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Multicore optical fiber development
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Rollable Ribbon fiber optic cable
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Advanced imaging and monitoring solutions
Stay Connected
Lightera R&D is more than a research institution—it’s where science meets possibility. Explore our journey of innovation and discover how we’re shaping the future of connectivity.
1958
Bell Labs pioneered the concept of the laser (optical maser) in 1958, enabling the development of the first working laser demonstrated in 1960.
1974
Bell Labs invents the modified chemical vapor deposition (MCVD) process for fabricating silica optical fibers, a major advance in optical fiber manufacture.
1975
Bell Labs invents the Bionic connector, the first optical fiber connector.
1975
Bell Labs invents ribbon fiber optic cable systems, including 12-fiber ribbon cable and the 12-fiber mechanical splice for rapid installation of high fiber counts.
1976
Bell Labs researchers at the Atlanta facility conduct the first fiber optic telecommunications system experiment for voice and data.
1977
In Chicago, Illinois, AT&T conducts the first field trial of a Lightwave system carrying voice, data, and video traffic.
1983
AT&T begins commercialized production of single-mode optical fiber.
1988
Introduction of the first nonzero dispersion-shifted fiber.
1995
Bell Labs invents the LC Connector, a high-performance, intuitive-to-use optical connector half the size of the SC connector.
1998-2000
Lucent introduces and patents AllWave® Optical Fiber – the world’s first full-spectrum fiber, enabling a 30% increase in fiber capacity
1990
Development of submarine optical fiber for transoceanic communication.
1999
Development of an aerial optical cable featuring a ballistic barrier to prevent damage from firearms or hunting weapons.
2002-2003
first fully dry gel-free OSP cables meeting the Telcordia GR-20 standard, saving hours per cable in preparation or restoration
2004
For the specific needs of monitoring oil and gas wells, we developed the first conductive cable in Brazil.
2005
High-power fiber laser technologies for industrial applications.
2006
Development of the first cable packaging that eliminates the need to remove the spool from inside the box.
2006
Launch of GIGALAN®, the first cable on the market to feature an outer sheath with dielectric properties made of flame-retardant material.
2008-2009
EZ-Bend® Optical Fiber – the first ultra bend-insensitive solid-fiber and cable.
2010
first gel-free ADSS cable, PowerGuide® DT Cable.
2010
publishes the first investigations of multicore fiber technology, including multicore fiber, amplifiers, connectors, and studies of high-capacity transmission.
2011
publishes the first investigations of multicore fiber technology, including multicore fiber, amplifiers, connectors, and studies of high-capacity transmission.
2012
publishes the first investigations of multicore fiber technology, including multicore fiber, amplifiers, connectors, and studies of high-capacity transmission.
2014
launches FITEL® NINJA handheld fusion splicer, the first splicer with removable V-grooves, reducing maintenance time from days to minutes.
2014
SlimConnector®: the first outdoor cable with factory-installed connectors, designed for faster and more robust telecommunications installations.
2015
introduces the InvisiLight® MDU Hallway Solution, a virtually invisible fiber system for existing multiple dwelling/tenant units.
2016
Development of a messenger cable that supports power distribution elements, with optical fibers for communication between network components.
2017
optical cable product lines expanded to include new Rollable Ribbon technology, doubling fiber density.
2018
Advances in hollow-core optical fibers for high-speed data transmission.
2019
launches InvisiLight® ILU 600 Solution, the world’s first 0.6 mm surface-mount fiber system.
2019
AccuRoll® Optical Cable – Next generation outside plant workhorse cable featuring rollable ribbons.
2020
EyON® - Development of the first IoT-based sensing solution capable of monitoring optical power in passive telecommunications networks.
2020
AccuCore HCF® Optical Fiber – the first hollow-core fiber for low-latency transmission – enabled ultra-low latency transmission for latency-sensitive applications.
2022
Sherpa CMS Cable Management System – Novel device to enable cables of various types to be connected to each other in aerial outside plant deployments.
2023
Production of high-density rollable ribbon cables in Brazil.
2023
FlightLinx® PLUS Fiber Optic Cable designed for in-flight entertainment, internet access, networking, and display systems used in commercial aircraft.
2024
First major field trial of AccuCore® Hollow-Core Fiber (HCF), advancing ultra-low latency optical transmission; first installation in a standard telecom cable configuration.
2025
Introduction of Large Mode Area (LMA) Polarization Maintaining (PM) Erbium-Ytterbium (ErYb) optical fiber for high-power LiDAR and free-space communications.
2025
Launch of the InvisiLight® Home Fiber Kit, enabling end users to extend WiFi with gigabit-speed fiber connectivity within the home.
2025
Development of 13,824-fiber ultra-high-fiber-count cable, supporting next-generation high-density data center and network infrastructure.