A silicon chip for 6G communications
Researchers have reported developing the first ultra-wideband integrated terahertz polarisation (de)multiplexer on a substrateless silicon base, which they say represents a record for relative bandwidth of integrated multiplexers
Terahertz communications represent the next frontier in wireless technology, promising data transmission rates far exceeding current systems. By operating at terahertz frequencies, these systems can support unprecedented bandwidth, enabling ultra-fast wireless communication and data transfer. However, one of the significant challenges in terahertz communications is effectively managing and utilising the available spectrum.
To address this challenge, a team of researchers has reportedly developed the first ultra-wideband integrated terahertz polarisation (de)multiplexer implemented on a substrateless silicon base. The scientists say they have successfully tested the device in the sub-terahertz J-band (220-330 GHz) for 6G communications and beyond.
“Our proposed polarisation multiplexer will allow multiple data streams to be transmitted simultaneously over the same frequency band, effectively doubling the data capacity,” said Withawat Withayachumnankul, a professor from the School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering of the University of Adelaide, who led the team.
“This large relative bandwidth is a record for any integrated multiplexers found in any frequency range. If it were to be scaled to the centre 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. According to the team, their new device can double the communication capacity under the same bandwidth with lower data loss than existing devices. They add that 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,” said Weijie Gao, a former University of Adelaide PhD student and current postdoctoral researcher at Osaka University.
“As a result, the polarisation multiplexer is a key enabler in realising 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 team says their work, which they have published in the journal Laser & Photonic Reviews, significantly advances the practicality of photonics-enabled terahertz technologies.
“By overcoming key technical barriers, this innovation is poised to catalyse a surge of interest and research activity in the field,” said Masayuki Fujita, a professor at Osaka University 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, revolutionising fields such as telecommunications, imaging, radar, and the Internet of Things,” said Withayachumnankul.
The researchers add that this latest polarisation multiplexer can be seamlessly integrated with their earlier beamforming devices on the same platform to achieve advanced communications functions.
Image credit: Dr. Weijie Gao/Osaka University
