An innovative technology for 6G communication networks
A new waveguide could revolutionize THz signal transmission and
processing for faster and broader communication links

Date:
February 15, 2022
Source:
Institut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS
Summary:
Carrying data streams using the terahertz (THz) spectral region
could meet the ever-growing demand for unprecedented data transfer
rates, i.e.

terabits-per-second (Tb/s), since it offers a higher available
bandwidth.

However, it is extremely challenging to develop physical
components that go beyond the most elementary processing
functionalities for constructing future communication systems at
THz frequencies. Scientists have now developed a new waveguide to
overcome those limitations.



FULL STORY ========================================================================== Carrying data streams using the terahertz (THz) spectral region
could meet the ever-growing demand for unprecedented data transfer
rates, i.e. terabits-per- second (Tb/s), since it offers a higher
available bandwidth. However, it is extremely challenging to develop
physical components that go beyond the most elementary processing functionalities for constructing future communication systems at THz frequencies. Postdoctoral researcher Junliang Dong and an international
team of scientists, under the supervision of Professor Roberto Morandotti
at the Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS) have
developed a new waveguide to overcome those limitations. Their work,
a first in the field, was published in the journal Nature Communications.


========================================================================== Engraving the waveguide In the paper, the scientists proposed a novel
approach for the realization of broadband THz signal processing in
metal-wire waveguides by engineering the wire surfaces. They act like
pipes for electromagnetic waves and confine their propagation.

"We demonstrate that, by engraving judiciously designed grooves with
multiscale structures directly on the metal-wires, we can change which frequencies are reflected or transmitted (i.e., a THz Bragg grating)
without adding any material to the waveguide." -Junliang Dong
This concept is exploited for the first time in the THz regime. It
allows for unprecedented flexibility towards manipulating THz pulses propagating within the waveguides, which in turn enables more complex signal-processing functionalities. For example, we could think of
"holographic messaging" in 6G, comparatively to SMS and voice mail in
1G and 2G.

Besides transporting the data streams, innovative THz waveguides can
provide versatile signal-processing functionalities. The distinct
advantages of metal- wire waveguides, including structural simplicity, tolerance to bending, as well as similarity to cables for connections,
make them very promising. However, the tight confinement limits the
possible ways to manipulate the propagating THz waves.

A universal approach As a proof of concept, the researchers introduce a completely new waveguide geometry: the four-wire waveguide (FWWG), which
is capable of sustaining two independent waves that are orthogonally
polarized (vertically and horizontally) so they do not interfere with
each other. It pioneers, for the first time, polarization-division
multiplexing in THz waveguides. In other words, it allows the two channels
of information to be transmitted over a single transmission path. Most importantly, by integrating the Bragg gratings with the engraving,
they can be manipulated independently.

"Our device represents the first THz waveguide architecture, with
a new metal- based design, which supports polarization-division
multiplexing. In particular, the capability of realizing such a complex signal-processing functionality, i.e., the independent manipulation of multiplexed THz signals, has never been achieved elsewhere," concludes Professor Morandotti.

This universal approach for the realization of broadband THz signal
processing, in combination with novel waveguide designs, paves the way to
the next generation network. It will allow for fascinating application scenarios, such as the multi-channel transmission of uncompressed ultra-high-definition video, ultra-high-speed short-distance data transfer between devices, as well as chip- to-chip communications.

========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by Institut_national_de_la_recherche_scientifique_-_INRS.

Original written by Audrey-Maude Vezina. Note: Content may be edited
for style and length.


========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. Junliang Dong, Alessandro Tomasino, Giacomo Balistreri, Pei You,
Anton
Vorobiov, E'tienne Charette, Boris Le Drogoff, Mohamed Chaker,
Aycan Yurtsever, Salvatore Stivala, Maria A. Vincenti, Costantino
De Angelis, Detlef Kip, Jose' Azan~a, Roberto Morandotti. Versatile
metal-wire waveguides for broadband terahertz signal processing
and multiplexing.

Nature Communications, 2022; 13 (1) DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-27993-7 ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/02/220215102847.htm

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