A team of scientists has developed a groundbreaking polarisation multiplexer for terahertz communications, which have the potential to revolutionize wireless technology by offering data transmission rates that far surpass current systems. The researchers, led by Professor Withawat Withayachumnankul from the University of Adelaide, have successfully tested this new device in the sub-terahertz J-band, specifically for 6G communications and beyond. This multiplexer enables multiple data streams to be transmitted simultaneously, effectively doubling the data capacity and representing a significant advancement in the field of photonics-enabled terahertz technologies.
The polarisation multiplexer created by the team can double the communication capacity under the same bandwidth with lower data loss compared to existing devices. This innovation is expected to enhance the efficiency of terahertz communication systems, leading to more robust and reliable high-speed wireless networks. The device is made using standard fabrication processes, allowing for cost-effective large-scale production. It paves the way for advancements in various fields such as high-definition video streaming, augmented reality, and next-generation mobile networks like 6G, and is seen as a key enabler for realizing the full potential of terahertz communications.
The team’s work, detailed in the journal Laser & Photonic Reviews, addresses significant challenges in managing and utilizing the available spectrum in terahertz communications. By overcoming key technical barriers, the researchers have advanced the practicality of photonics-enabled terahertz technologies, sparking interest and research activity in the field. In the next one to two years, researchers are expected to explore new applications and refine the technology, leading to significant advancements in high-speed communications over the following three to five years, with the development of commercial prototypes and early-stage products.
The researchers anticipate widespread adoption and integration of terahertz technologies across various industries within a decade, revolutionizing fields such as telecommunications, imaging, radar, and the internet of things. This latest polarisation multiplexer can be seamlessly integrated with the team’s earlier beamforming devices on the same platform to achieve advanced communications functions. The device’s ability to allow multiple data streams to be transmitted over the same frequency band sets a new record for integrated multiplexers in any frequency range, showcasing the potential for the device to cover all optical communications bands if scaled to the center frequency.
Overall, the team’s polarisation multiplexer represents a significant step forward in the advancement of terahertz communications, offering higher data capacity, improved efficiency, and the potential for widespread adoption in various industries. The device’s integration with existing technologies and its cost-effective large-scale production capabilities position it as a key enabler for the future development of high-speed wireless networks and the realization of the full potential of terahertz communications. With continued research and refinement, the team expects to see significant advancements in the field over the next decade, leading to groundbreaking innovations in telecommunications, imaging, radar, and the internet of things.