Very-long baseline interferometry (VLBI) combines data from multiple radio telescopes to create a larger virtual telescope, but requires precise timing synchronization. Researchers demonstrated an optical frequency comb technique that improves timing accuracy by transmitting pulses optically rather than electronically. The proof-of-concept system achieved 50 GHz operation with potential for 100 GHz using commercial photodiodes, enabling better synchronization and compensation for atmospheric effects in radio astronomy observations.
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