50 Years of Optical Fibre Research in BT
Innovations where the UK led the World
About
While many organisations contributed to the development of optical fibre and its associated active components, this lecture will give a BT perspective on the deployment of optical fibre and the historic and challenging research that made it possible. Topics covered will include the world-first deployment by BT of single mode optical fibre, pioneering research into coherent transmission, optical fibre amplifiers, wavelength switching, passive optical networks and blown fibre. The lecture will conclude by speculating on what the future may hold.
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Continuing Professional Development
This event can contribute towards your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours as part of the IET's CPD monitoring scheme.
26 Feb 2027
2:00pm - 3:30pm
Organiser
- London Local Network
Further Information
If you wish to attend this lecture, please book a place on the IET website.
During the booking process you will have the opportunity to pre-book an optional lunch at Savoy Place. The cost for a two-course meal with wine is £27.60.
Reservations for lunch can be made up to 11pm on the Monday prior to the event (subject to availability).
Speakers
Russell Davey BT Fellow, CEng, FIET
Principal Network Architect - BT
Russell graduated with a first-class honours degree in physics from Balliol College, Oxford, U.K. in 1989. He obtained a PhD in physics from Strathclyde University, Glasgow, U.K. in 1992 for his research into ultrashort pulse generation in erbium doped fibres. He obtained an MSc in telecommunications engineering from University College, London, U.K. in 2001.
He has worked for BT since 1994 on various aspects of optical fibre networking research and development including optical access (FTTP) and core transmission, based throughout at BT’s Adastral Park research and development site near Ipswich, U.K. He has worked as Transmission Network Architect since 2013.
He is a BT Fellow, a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of the IET (FIET).
Reasons to attend
To discover the fascinating history of optical fibres, and look into its future applications.
Programme
This lecture is preceded by an optional lunch, which is served at 12.00, providing an opportunity to network with colleagues prior to the lecture.
14:00 – The lecture starts promptly at 14:00
14:45 approximately – Questions and discussion
15:30 - Networking time in the Faraday Centre.
On arrival, attendees should go to the Faraday Library reception on the 2nd floor.