Chip that controls terahertz rays creates the circumstances for the ultra-fast Web of the long run

Imagine a future where internet connections are not only lightning fast but also remarkably reliable, even in crowded spaces. This vision is quickly approaching reality thanks to new research into terahertz communications technologies. These innovations will transform wireless communications, particularly as communications technology evolves toward the next generation of networks, 6G.

I am an engineer who focuses on photonics, the study of how light and other electromagnetic waves are created and detected. As part of this research, my colleagues and I developed a topological beamforming chip made of silicon. Topological refers to physical features in the silicon that help direct terahertz waves, and beamformer refers to the purpose of the chip: converting terahertz waves into directional beams.

Terahertz frequencies are crucial for 6G, which telecom companies plan to launch around 2030. The radio frequency spectrum used by current wireless networks is becoming increasingly congested. Terahertz waves offer a solution by exploiting the relatively unoccupied part of the electromagnetic spectrum between microwaves and infrared. These higher frequencies can transmit large amounts of data, making them ideal for the data-intensive applications of the future.

An experimental chip shown in this illustration distributes ultrafast terahertz beams in all directions around it. Wenhao Wang, Guillaume Ducournau and Ranjan Singh

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

Using artificial intelligence, we designed the chip to have a specific microscopic honeycomb pattern to form tracks for the terahertz waves. The channel array emits powerful, focused beams that cover the entire 360-degree area around the chip. This allows a phone or other wireless device to receive the high-speed signal anywhere near a Wi-Fi router or other communications device that uses the chip. We demonstrated the chip by splitting an input signal from streaming HD video into four output beams.

Beamformers in wireless networks

Terahertz waves have a shorter range compared to lower frequency signals used in 4G and 5G networks. Terahertz beamformers address this challenge by precisely directing radio frequency signals to ensure they reach their target without loss or degradation.

Beamformers are essential for the next generation of wireless communications. Unlike traditional antennas that transmit 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 focused approach not only extends the range of the signal but also improves its quality, even over long distances. Beamformers are expected to be critical to managing stable connections by reducing interference as billions of connected devices emerge worldwide.

A future with terahertz beamforming

The potential impact of terahertz beamforming chips on everyday life is profound. For example, these chips could make it possible to download a 4K ultra-high-definition movie in just a few seconds, compared to 11 minutes over today's Wi-Fi, or support immersive virtual and augmented reality experiences without lag.

Beyond entertainment, they could make real-time holographic communications a reality, with people appearing as lifelike holograms. Smart cities could use this technology to seamlessly coordinate transportation systems and emergency response, while healthcare could benefit from remote practices where doctors control robotic instruments remotely.

The terahertz beamforming chip represents a significant advance toward faster and more reliable wireless communications by overcoming the challenges of high-frequency signal transmission.

Ranjan Singh, Professor of Electrical Engineering, University of Notre Dame

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