Special fibres are used in for instance filters, modulators and amplifiers, whereas ordinary fibres simply transport the light.
"There are no more than five or six fibre labs in the whole world which can be used by external clients, and only two of those are in Europe - Southampton in England and Jena in Germany. But our lab is the most modern," says Ingmar Höglund.
Development of special fibres is by no means a new area for Acreo. Until recently, it was based in Sundbyberg outside Stockholm in premises rented from Ericsson. However, equipment there became outdated and the research company needed to make a substantial investment in order to continue its work in the field.
In October, the new lab will be used at full capacity. So far, it has seven full-time employees, 15 of Acreo's fibre researchers will stay in Kista outside Stockholm. Another important part of the operation will be training, everything from intensive three-day courses for fibre engineers to full doctoral studies will be offered.
Gittan Cedervall