Chip that drives terahertz beams paves the way for the ultra-fast internet of the future

Imagine a future where internet connections are not only blazing fast but also remarkably reliable, even in crowded spaces. That vision is quickly becoming a reality, thanks to new research into terahertz communications technologies. These innovations are set to transform wireless communication, especially as communications technology evolves to the next generation of networks, 6G.

I am an engineer focused on photonics, the study of how light and other electromagnetic waves are generated and detected. As part of this research, my colleagues and I developed a topological beamforming chip made of silicon. The paper is published in the journal Nature. Topological

Terahertz frequencies are crucial for 6G, which telecom companies plan to roll out around 2030. The radio frequency spectrum used by today’s wireless networks is increasingly crowded. Terahertz waves offer a solution by exploiting the relatively unoccupied part of the electromagnetic spectrum between microwaves and infrared. These higher frequencies can carry huge amounts of data, making them ideal for the data-intensive applications of the future.

Our chip takes a terahertz signal from a single source and splits it into 54 smaller signals, which are then guided through 184 tiny channels with 134 tight turns. Each beam can transmit and receive data at speeds of 40 to 72 gigabits per second, many times faster than current 5G networks.

Using artificial intelligence, we designed the chip to have a specific microscopic honeycomb pattern to form pathways for terahertz waves. The array of channels sends out powerful, focused beams that cover the entire 360 ​​degrees around the chip. This allows a phone or other wireless device located anywhere around a Wi-Fi router or other communications device using the chip to receive the high-speed signal. We demonstrated the chip by splitting an input signal from a streaming HD video into four output beams.

Beamformers in Wireless Networks

Terahertz waves have a shorter range than the low-frequency signals used in 4G and 5G networks. Terahertz beamformers address this challenge by precisely directing high-frequency signals to ensure they reach their destination without loss or degradation.

Beamformers are essential for the next generation of wireless communication. Unlike traditional antennas that broadcast signals indiscriminately, beamformers focus signals in specific directions, increasing both efficiency and reliability. Our chip ensures that these beams provide coverage in all directions.

This targeted approach not only extends signal range, but also improves signal quality, even over long distances. Beamformers are likely to play a crucial role in managing stable connections by reducing interference as the world adds billions of connected devices.

A future with terahertz beamforming

The potential impact of terahertz beamforming chips on everyday life is enormous. For example, these chips could enable downloading a 4K ultra-high-definition movie in just seconds, compared to 11 minutes with current Wi-Fi, or support immersive virtual and augmented reality experiences without any lag.

Beyond entertainment, they could make real-time holographic communication a reality, where people appear as lifelike holograms. Smart cities could use the technology to seamlessly coordinate traffic systems and emergency response, while healthcare could benefit from remote surgeries where doctors control robotic instruments from afar.

The terahertz beamforming chip represents a significant advancement on the path to faster and more reliable wireless communication by overcoming the challenges of transmitting high-frequency signals.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.