FYLA: Pioneering Ultra-Fast Laser Communications
The Valencian technology company FYLA is set to revolutionize wireless communication with ultra-fast laser technologies that eliminate the need for fiber optics. Founded by Pere Pérez Millán, FYLA aims to provide tamper-proof connections with performance surpassing both 5G and 6G, all at a significantly lower implementation cost without the requirement for civil works or permits. This innovation is underscored by their recent achievement in setting a world distance record for wireless communications, collaborating with the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands (IAC). In a test conducted in October, FYLA successfully transmitted data at speeds of up to 1.3 Gbit/s over a remarkable distance of more than 140 kilometers between the Canary Islands of La Palma and Tenerife using free space optical communication (FSOC). “We are turning laser communication without fiber into a reality,” says Pérez Millán during a videoconference interview, asserting that “air laser can potentially increase the bandwidth of current wireless communications by up to 1,000 times.”
Company Background and Development
Established in 2014, FYLA originated as a spin-off from the Universitat de València, evolving from Pérez Millán's work at the Universitat Politècnica de València. With initial funding from the Valencian company Jenealogia, FYLA now employs around 35 professionals and specializes in designing, producing, and selling ultrafast photonics systems based on fiber optic lasers. Pérez Millán notes, “That is our nuclear technology.”
Ultrafast Laser Technology Overview
FYLA's focus lies in ultrafast lasers, characterized by extremely short pulses and high peak power, enabling data transmission at exceptional speeds. These lasers generate beats as brief as picoseconds (one-trillionth of a second) and femtoseconds (one-quadrillionth of a second). This attribute, combined with the short wavelength of light, facilitates the establishment of directional data connections that are nearly impossible to intercept and interfere with, providing long-range connectivity with low energy consumption.
Applications and Collaborations
The high-intensity lasers developed by FYLA have already proven impactful in advanced microscopy and industrial inspection. Pérez Millán explains that intense and focused white light sources enhance resolution and allow continuous measurement of color on production lines. FYLA's client roster includes prestigious institutions such as the universities of Cambridge, Oxford, Princeton, Yale, UCLA, Sorbonne, CERN, and the Fraunhofer Institute of Technology.
Strategic Testing in the Canary Islands
The recent test between La Palma and Tenerife has demonstrated the potential of this technology for data transmission over long distances. Luis Fernando RodrĂguez Ramos, head of the IAC Electronics Department, emphasizes the unique geographic advantages of the Canary Islands for optical communications testing. The observatories on the two islands, separated by 144 kilometers, provide an ideal scenario for such experiments. The IAC is looking to further exploit this unique setting by securing funding to establish dedicated facilities for optical communication technologies.
Future Prospects and Applications
The successful testing has revealed that even under challenging atmospheric conditions, data can be transmitted rapidly and reliably. Pérez Millán highlights the applicability of this technology, especially for private networks like ports or in emergency situations where traditional fiber networks fail. “The bandwidth with lasers can be much greater than with 5G or 6G due to pure physics,” he states, noting that laser technology's capacity to handle more data per unit of time is a critical advantage.
Market Integration and Expansion
FYLA also targets rural areas and last-mile connectivity where traditional infrastructure is economically unfeasible. The company's models suggest significant cost savings by avoiding civil work and permits. This flexibility allows for temporary installations for events requiring peak connectivity. FYLA plans to collaborate with tower operators and owners like Cellnex and American Tower for broader distribution.
Looking ahead, Pérez Millán anticipates a shift in the market: “I predict a period of three to four years before we start seeing laser communication nodes in our streets.” Meanwhile, FYLA is committed to refining its technology and expanding use cases where the cost-effectiveness and rapid deployment of laser communications are advantageous.
With backing from Bullet Capital, which focuses on deep-tech innovations, and recent investment from Indra interested in laser communications for security and defense, FYLA is poised for significant advancements in the field.
