Wireless Communication New Terahertz Technology Sets Stage for Ultra-Fast 6G Networks

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A groundbreaking advancement in 6G technology is on the horizon as scientists unveil a new terahertz polarization multiplexer, poised to transform high-speed wireless communications. This device, tested successfully in the sub-terahertz J-band, promises to double data capacity while minimizing loss.

The introduction of a new polarization multiplexer for terahertz communications by a team of scientists marks a significant advancement in the field of wireless technology. Terahertz communications, operating at frequencies much higher than those used in current networks, offer the potential for dramatically higher data transmission rates. This technological leap can lead to a substantial increase in bandwidth availability, which is critical for supporting the rapid growth of data-heavy applications and connectivity demands in areas such as streaming services, Internet of Things (IoT), and virtual reality (VR). One of the primary challenges in harnessing terahertz frequencies has been the efficient management and utilization of the spectrum. The polarization multiplexer addresses this challenge by allowing multiple data streams to be transmitted simultaneously over the same frequency, but with different polarization states. This multiplexing technique effectively doubles the data capacity of a transmission channel without requiring additional spectrum. This breakthrough could significantly accelerate the development and deployment of 6G networks, providing the infrastructure necessary for the next generation of digital services and connectivity. By increasing the efficiency of data transmission at terahertz frequencies, this innovation not only paves the way for ultra-fast wireless communications but also ensures more reliable and higher-quality connections that could transform various sectors including telecommunications, healthcare, and transportation.

The team has developed the first ultra-wideband integrated terahertz polarization (de)multiplexer implemented on a substrateless silicon base which they have successfully tested in the sub-terahertz J-band (220-330 GHz) for 6G communications and beyond.

The University of Adelaide’s Professor Withawat Withayachumnankul from the School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering led the team which also includes former PhD student at the University of Adelaide, Dr Weijie Gao, who is now a postdoctoral researcher working alongside Professor Masayuki Fujita at Osaka University.

“Our proposed polarization multiplexer will allow multiple data streams to be transmitted simultaneously over the same frequency band, effectively doubling the data capacity,” said Professor Withayachumnankul. “This large relative bandwidth is a record for any integrated multiplexers found in any frequency range. If it were to be scaled to the center frequency of the optical communications bands, such a bandwidth could cover all the optical communications bands.”

A multiplexer makes it possible for several input signals to share one device or resource — such as the data of several phone calls being carried on a single wire.

The new device that the team has developed can double the communication capacity under the same bandwidth with lower data loss than existing devices. It is made using standard fabrication processes enabling cost-effective large-scale production.

This innovation not only enhances the efficiency of terahertz communication systems but also paves the way for more robust and reliable high-speed wireless networks.

Dr Weijie Gao, University of Adelaide,

According to Gao, the polarization multiplexer is a key enabler in realizing the full potential of terahertz communications, driving forward advancements in various fields such as high-definition video streaming, augmented reality, and next-generation mobile networks such as 6G. The groundbreaking challenges addressed in the team’s work, which they have published in the journal Laser & Photonic Reviews, significantly advance the practicality of photonics-enabled terahertz technologies.

“By overcoming key technical barriers, this innovation is poised to catalyze a surge of interest and research activity in the field,” said Professor Fujita who is a co-author of the paper. “We anticipate that within the next one to two years, researchers will begin to explore new applications and refine the technology.”

Over the following three-to-five years, the team expects to see significant advancements in high-speed communications, leading to commercial prototypes and early-stage products.

“Within a decade, we foresee widespread adoption and integration of these terahertz technologies across various industries, revolutionizing fields such as telecommunications, imaging, radar, and the internet of things,” said Professor Withayachumnankul.

This latest polarization multiplexer can be seamlessly integrated with the team’s earlier beamforming devices on the same platform to achieve advanced communications functions.

This article first appeared on our sister website www.lab-worldwide.com 

Original Article: Ultra-wideband terahertz integrated polarization multiplexer; Laser & Photonic Reviews; DOI: 10.1002/lpor.202400270