A new type of terahertz multiplexer has doubled data capacity and significantly enhanced 6G communication with unprecedented bandwidth and low data loss.
Researchers have introduced a super-wide band terahertz multiplexer that doubles data capacity and brings revolutionary advancements to 6G and beyond. (Image source: Getty Images)
Next-generation wireless communication, represented by terahertz technology, promises to revolutionize data transmission.
These systems operate at terahertz frequencies, offering unparalleled bandwidth for ultra-fast data transmission and communication. However, to fully realize this potential, significant technical challenges must be overcome, particularly in managing and effectively utilizing the available spectrum.
A groundbreaking advancement has addressed this challenge: the first ultra-wideband integrated terahertz polarization (de)multiplexer realized on a substrate-free silicon platform.
This innovative design targets the sub-terahertz J band (220-330 GHz) and aims to transform communication for 6G and beyond. The device effectively doubles data capacity while maintaining a low data loss rate, paving the way for efficient and reliable high-speed wireless networks.
The team behind this milestone includes Professor Withawat Withayachumnankul from the University of Adelaide's School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Dr. Weijie Gao, now a postdoctoral researcher at Osaka University, and Professor Masayuki Fujita.
Professor Withayachumnankul stated, "The proposed polarization multiplexer allows multiple data streams to be transmitted simultaneously within the same frequency band, effectively doubling data capacity." The relative bandwidth achieved by the device is unprecedented across any frequency range, representing a significant leap for integrated multiplexers.
Polarization multiplexers are essential in modern communication as they enable multiple signals to share the same frequency band, significantly enhancing channel capacity.
The new device achieves this by utilizing conical directional couplers and anisotropic effective medium cladding. These components enhance polarization birefringence, resulting in a high polarization extinction ratio (PER) and wide bandwidth—key characteristics of efficient terahertz communication systems.
Unlike traditional designs that rely on complex and frequency-dependent asymmetric waveguides, the new multiplexer employs anisotropic cladding with only slight frequency dependence. This approach fully leverages the ample bandwidth provided by the conical couplers.
The result is a fractional bandwidth close to 40%, an average PER exceeding 20 dB, and a minimum insertion loss of approximately 1 dB. These performance metrics far surpass those of existing optical and microwave designs, which often suffer from narrow bandwidth and high loss.
The research team's work not only enhances the efficiency of terahertz systems but also lays the groundwork for a new era in wireless communication. Dr. Gao noted, "This innovation is a key driver in unlocking the potential of terahertz communication." Applications include high-definition video streaming, augmented reality, and next-generation mobile networks like 6G.
Traditional terahertz polarization management solutions, such as orthogonal mode transducers (OMTs) based on rectangular metal waveguides, face significant limitations. Metal waveguides experience increased ohmic losses at higher frequencies, and their manufacturing processes are complex due to stringent geometric requirements.
Optical polarization multiplexers, including those using Mach-Zehnder interferometers or photonic crystals, offer better integrability and lower losses but often require trade-offs between bandwidth, compactness, and manufacturing complexity.
Directional couplers are widely used in optical systems and require strong polarization birefringence to achieve compact size and high PER. However, they are limited by narrow bandwidth and sensitivity to manufacturing tolerances.
The new multiplexer combines the advantages of conical directional couplers and effective medium cladding, overcoming these limitations. The anisotropic cladding exhibits significant birefringence, ensuring high PER across a wide bandwidth. This design principle marks a departure from traditional methods, providing a scalable and practical solution for terahertz integration.
Experimental validation of the multiplexer confirmed its exceptional performance. The device operates efficiently in the 225-330 GHz range, achieving a fractional bandwidth of 37.8% while maintaining a PER above 20 dB. Its compact size and compatibility with standard manufacturing processes make it suitable for mass production.
Dr. Gao remarked, "This innovation not only enhances the efficiency of terahertz communication systems but also paves the way for more powerful and reliable high-speed wireless networks."
The potential applications of this technology extend beyond communication systems. By improving spectrum utilization, the multiplexer can drive advancements in fields such as radar, imaging, and the Internet of Things. "Within a decade, we expect these terahertz technologies to be widely adopted and integrated across various industries," Professor Withayachumnankul stated.
The multiplexer can also be seamlessly integrated with earlier beamforming devices developed by the team, enabling advanced communication functionalities on a unified platform. This compatibility highlights the versatility and scalability of the effective medium-clad dielectric waveguide platform.
The team's research findings have been published in the journal Laser & Photonic Reviews, emphasizing their significance in advancing photonic terahertz technology. Professor Fujita remarked, "By overcoming critical technical barriers, this innovation is expected to stimulate interest and research activity in the field."
The researchers anticipate that their work will inspire new applications and further technological improvements in the coming years, ultimately leading to commercial prototypes and products.
This multiplexer represents a significant step forward in unlocking the potential of terahertz communication. It sets a new standard for integrated terahertz devices with its unprecedented performance metrics.
As the demand for high-speed, high-capacity communication networks continues to grow, such innovations will play a crucial role in shaping the future of wireless technology.
Post time: Dec-16-2024