Chronicles of light: The evolution of light yet to be written

What Awaits Us in the Future?

After exploring the origins of fiber, understanding how it works, discovering its unexpected uses, and seeing how it has become part of our daily lives, we arrive at the final chapter of this special. It’s time to look ahead.

The evolution of fiber optics doesn’t stop. Hollow-core fibers already exist, bringing transmission speeds closer to 99.7% of the speed of light in a vacuum—an achievement that promises to multiply connectivity capacity and open new frontiers in data transmission.

But the future is not only measured in speed. Fiber is more efficient than copper, as it requires less energy to operate and uses fewer active devices in the streets. This means a double impact: lower electricity consumption and less visual pollution. A technology aligned with sustainability and the needs of a planet that demands efficiency.

The raw material also ensures continuity: fiber is made from silicon, the second most abundant element in the Earth’s crust, guaranteeing large-scale availability to keep pace with growing demand.

And resilience is another of its strengths. Submarine cables are designed to withstand ocean pressure and marine life, coated with steel and tar, while those crossing deserts endure extreme temperatures without compromising the signal. All of this ensures that global connectivity keeps running—even in the most hostile environments.

Conclusion
If today it seems impressive to download a movie in seconds, soon we will be talking about immersive experiences, holograms, and communications without perceptible latency. And all of this will be possible thanks to that transparent thread which, although it may appear fragile, already sustains the world’s digital life.