China Invests in Hollow-Core Fiber for AI Applications

China designated hollow-core optical fiber as a key strategic technology for the next five years. The material received priority status in the Chinese Optical Cable and Optoelectronic Device Industry Development Plan, guiding industry investments during the 15th Five-Year Plan.

This technology replaces the solid silica core with air to transmit optical signals, reducing latency and increasing data transmission capacity, qualities considered essential for artificial intelligence applications, data centers, and high-performance computing networks. China Mobile began a trial project in 2024 with approximately 18 kilometers of hollow-core optical fiber in Wuxi.

After nearly two years of monitoring, the company reported stable optical losses and no degradation in connections with conventional fibers. Manufacturers like YOFC and Hengtong Optic-Electric are accelerating commercialization, with YOFC deploying over ten commercial and pilot projects across Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

Widespread adoption still depends on establishing technical standards to ensure interoperability between equipment and manufacturers, particularly addressing connection losses and data transmission standards. Experts and companies have begun drafting these standards in Suzhou, aiming to support China’s growing demand for data processing and transmission.