Meeting New Challenges Through Expansive Innovation

Corning® ClearCurve® optical fiber leads to new innovations

Corning’s deep history of collaboration across disciplines has led to new advancements to meet customer needs and propel the industry forward. Often, a product will build on the progress of the past, while driving new areas of exploration. And sometimes, an innovation is so revolutionary that it will lead to applications and next-generation technology that no one – even its inventors – could have imagined.

Corning’s discovery of low-loss optical fiber in 1970 revolutionized the industry. While we continue to develop and improve on this technology, the same basic principles our scientists employed 50 years ago continue to drive today’s connectivity with new products and applications. Over 5 billion kilometers of fiber are currently installed – enabling lightning-fast voice, data and video communications around the globe. Today, Corning's suite of ultra-low loss fibers delivers over 100 times lower attenuation (signal loss) than the first low-loss fiber. And we’re only starting to scratch the surface of what’s to come.

Corning® ClearCurve® optical fiber built on the work of earlier scientists and delivered broadband everywhere by lowering cost and easing installation. Previously, bringing fiber to multiple dwelling units – apartment buildings, for example – presented challenges. Inside the building, the tight cable routing requirements resulted in many 90-degree bends. This frequently led to signal loss and service problems. ClearCurve optical fiber can be bent around tight corners without concern – for faster, easier, more reliable, and less obtrusive installation. Most importantly, it upholds reliability and delivers consistently excellent picture quality for video streaming.

ClearCurve technology has led to new innovations – helping pave the way for Corning’s flexible glass. This should prove instrumental in the development of next generation foldable devices, which are already generating buzz both across and beyond the industry.

The current plastic-based solutions that manufacturers have tried for foldables present fundamental challenges in optics, scratch, and warp. At Corning, we’re working to create a new ultra-thin, durable, and optically advantaged glass for the inside cover of a continuous display. And we’re ensuring it will repeatedly bend without significant damage at the fold.

We’re always excited to be creating the latest solutions to meet the needs of our customers around the world. Building on our history of leadership in optical fiber, display glass, and device glass, once again, we’re applying our expertise to drive the industry forward. And who can say where our next set of innovations ultimately will take us all?