A team of scientists has made a significant breakthrough in 6G communications with the development of a new polarization multiplexer, which holds the potential to revolutionize wireless technology. As the world races towards the next generation of mobile networks, terahertz communications emerge as a critical area, promising data transmission rates far exceeding those of current systems.
Terahertz frequencies represent the cutting edge of wireless communication, enabling ultra-fast data transfer and supporting unprecedented bandwidth. However, one of the most significant challenges in this domain is effectively managing and utilizing the available spectrum. The team has addressed this challenge by developing the first ultra-wideband integrated terahertz polarization multiplexer, which operates on a substrateless silicon base. This innovation has been successfully tested in the sub-terahertz J-band (220-330 GHz) and is set to drive advancements in 6G communications and beyond.
Leading the research is Professor Withawat Withayachumnankul from the University of Adelaide’s School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering. His team includes Dr. Weijie Gao, a former PhD student at the University of Adelaide, now a postdoctoral researcher at Osaka University working alongside Professor Masayuki Fujita. The team’s work could be a game-changer in 6G communications.
“Our proposed polarization multiplexer will allow multiple data streams to be transmitted simultaneously over the same frequency band, effectively doubling the data capacity,” explained Professor Withayachumnankul. “This large relative bandwidth is a record for any integrated multiplexers found in any frequency range. If it were to be scaled to the center frequency of the optical communications bands, such a bandwidth could cover all the optical communications bands.”
In essence, a multiplexer enables multiple input signals to share a single device or resource, similar to how several phone calls can be carried on a single wire. The new device developed by the team doubles the communication capacity within the same bandwidth while minimizing data loss compared to existing devices. Notably, the device is manufactured using standard fabrication processes, making it feasible for 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 Dr. Gao. “As a result, the polarization multiplexer is a key enabler in realizing 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 like 6G.”
The team’s research, published in the journal Laser & Photonic Reviews, addresses critical challenges that significantly advance the practicality of photonics-enabled terahertz technologies. Professor Fujita, a co-author of the paper, highlighted the groundbreaking nature of the work, stating, “By overcoming key technical barriers, this innovation is poised to catalyze a surge of interest and research activity in the field. We anticipate that within the next one to two years, researchers will begin to explore new applications and refine the technology.”
Looking ahead, the team expects to see substantial progress in high-speed communications over the next three to five years, leading to commercial prototypes and early-stage products. “Within a decade, we foresee widespread adoption and integration of these terahertz technologies across various industries, revolutionizing fields such as telecommunications, imaging, radar, and the internet of things,” said Professor Withayachumnankul.
This latest polarization multiplexer can be seamlessly integrated with the team’s earlier beamforming devices on the same platform, enabling advanced communications functions that will be vital in the era of 6G and beyond.
- University of Adelaide’s School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (https://www.adelaide.edu.au/engineering/)
- Osaka University (https://www.osaka-u.ac.jp/en)
- Laser & Photonic Reviews Journal (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/18638899)
