<ul><li>Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden have developed a practical approach to the low-noise amplification of weakened optical signals using four-wave mixing.</li><li>Conventional optical amplifiers are too noisy for space-based communications, but the researchers' approach offers noiseless amplification within an optical receiver.</li><li>By mixing a weakened transmitted signal with two strong 'pump' waves, the amplitude of the signal can be boosted without sacrificing low-noise performance.</li><li>The researchers are optimistic that their approach could revolutionize laser-based communications in space, enabling higher data rates and removing current restrictions on data transmission from space-based satellites, probes, and telescopes.</li></ul>

Four-wave mixing could boost optical communications in space

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