Frequency-division multiplexer and demultiplexer for terahertz wireless links

Area of Science:

• Electrical Engineering
• Wireless Communications
• Terahertz Technology

Background:

• Terahertz (THz) wireless communication component development is a growing research area.
• Component characterization often uses continuous or pulsed THz sources, not modulated data streams, potentially masking real-world performance.
• Realistic system performance assessment requires testing with modulated data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize a terahertz frequency multiplexer using modulated data streams.
• To demonstrate the feasibility of high-speed, error-free data transmission in THz systems.
• To investigate the spatial variation of bit error rate versus emitted power.

Main Methods:

• Utilized modulated data streams at rates up to 10 gigabits per second for device characterization.
• Demonstrated simultaneous error-free transmission of two signals at different carrier frequencies.
• Analyzed the far-field spatial variation of bit error rate and emitted power.

Main Results:

• Successfully characterized a terahertz frequency multiplexer using modulated data up to 10 Gbps.
• Achieved simultaneous error-free transmission of two signals, reaching an aggregate data rate of 50 Gbps.
• Observed differences between the spatial variation of bit error rate and emitted power due to detection sensitivity nonuniformities.

Conclusions:

• Characterizing terahertz components with modulated data streams is crucial for realistic system evaluation.
• The study demonstrates high-speed, error-free multiplexing and demultiplexing in a terahertz data link.
• Nonuniform detection sensitivity can impact spatial bit error rate, a factor to consider in THz communication system design.