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WaveMan
It is good to point out that there is much talk about researchers working at THz ...
Barry.Alcorn
Currently there are investigations for more narrow band implementations that ...
Terahertz Thursday: The bleeding edge of research opens up new opportunities
Barry Alcorn
6/10/2011 8:10 PM EDT
Today’s focus at IMS2011 is trends in millimeter wave technology, which is a hot topic this week. To easily understand the trends, it’s best to look at the different frequency bands being measured.
For example, component manufacturers and device integrators are focused on 10 MHz to 110 GHz. In this region they want to perform thorough characterization of devices designed for applications that range from automotive radar to HDMI. Important measurements include amplifier gain, pulse parameters and spectral content. Solutions include the new 50 GHz PXA signal analyzer and a “beyond 325 GHz” signal analysis solution using new SmartMixer technology that provides breakthrough performance.
A number of governments are also seeking innovative ideas that will spur local economies. Examples include areas such as biotech, homeland security, and food safety, which need measurements from 90 GHz to 1.1 THz.
We’ve spoken with researchers who are investing in miniaturization and higher bandwidth components. Examples include micro-resonators used in high-resolution spectroscopy systems. More recently, the world’s first 1 THz solution was delivered to a university in Japan, which is investigating the behavior of meta-materials.
Going forward, the biggest measurement challenge continues to be support for what some call the “terahertz gap.” This includes the need for broadband coverage with high sensitivity while maintaining sufficient source power. State-of-the-art commercial solutions are described here. (Many thanks to Agilent’s Suren Singh for helping me understand the industry and where it’s going.)
Well, the show floor is closed and it’s time to pack up. Sad to say but I won’t be attending the Crab Feast because I have to fly out tonight for another commitment tomorrow.
So long Baltimore: We’ve had a few beers, some tasty seafood, and lots of great interactions with industry leaders. Now all I need is my Nook eReader and an airplane seat... I’m on my way home!
For example, component manufacturers and device integrators are focused on 10 MHz to 110 GHz. In this region they want to perform thorough characterization of devices designed for applications that range from automotive radar to HDMI. Important measurements include amplifier gain, pulse parameters and spectral content. Solutions include the new 50 GHz PXA signal analyzer and a “beyond 325 GHz” signal analysis solution using new SmartMixer technology that provides breakthrough performance.
A number of governments are also seeking innovative ideas that will spur local economies. Examples include areas such as biotech, homeland security, and food safety, which need measurements from 90 GHz to 1.1 THz.
We’ve spoken with researchers who are investing in miniaturization and higher bandwidth components. Examples include micro-resonators used in high-resolution spectroscopy systems. More recently, the world’s first 1 THz solution was delivered to a university in Japan, which is investigating the behavior of meta-materials.
Going forward, the biggest measurement challenge continues to be support for what some call the “terahertz gap.” This includes the need for broadband coverage with high sensitivity while maintaining sufficient source power. State-of-the-art commercial solutions are described here. (Many thanks to Agilent’s Suren Singh for helping me understand the industry and where it’s going.)
Well, the show floor is closed and it’s time to pack up. Sad to say but I won’t be attending the Crab Feast because I have to fly out tonight for another commitment tomorrow.
So long Baltimore: We’ve had a few beers, some tasty seafood, and lots of great interactions with industry leaders. Now all I need is my Nook eReader and an airplane seat... I’m on my way home!
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t.alex
6/11/2011 8:47 AM EDT
Simple question: what are the benefits and costs we have going towards terahertz?
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Barry.Alcorn
6/13/2011 3:44 PM EDT
On the questions of benefits and costs, much of the work that is being done in the THz region is aimed at improving our safety and security, through the development of high resolution imaging systems as well as through more controlled processes for the development of medication by understanding of the chemical composition. In addition with the development of active components at the higher frequencies there is a growing need for users to better understand the harmonic behavior of the components for a 100 GHz 3rd harmonic behavior will drive the need for at least 325GHz. It is clear that as the technology evolves from a development and usage side the need will drive the cost down.
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agk
6/11/2011 9:23 AM EDT
Tera hertz waves penerate through lot of materials without any destruction. So this is being tried in many applications like security systems,biomedical,pharma,semiconductor and not but the least broad band communications.
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KB3001
6/13/2011 2:41 PM EDT
I seem to remember a piece of research suggesting THz radiations can harm human DNA.
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t.alex
6/11/2011 11:22 AM EDT
What is the possible range we can achieve?
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Barry.Alcorn
6/13/2011 3:45 PM EDT
Currently there are investigations for more narrow band implementations that will allow coverage to 2 THz but there has not been a practical measurement system.
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Frank Eory
6/12/2011 6:19 PM EDT
I have always been intrigued by the potential to exploit the vast frequency range between electrical (sub-THz) and optical (hundreds of THz) frequency band.
These bands will definitely be converging in the coming years and decades, but today they are covered by vastly different engineers and engineering disciplines.
At what point does optics meet electonics?
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KB3001
6/13/2011 2:44 PM EDT
Reliable and accurate instruments for the generation and measurement of THz signals is indeed the key to serious advances in this exciting field, akin to the transition from Alchemy to Chemistry.
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WaveMan
6/14/2011 8:08 PM EDT
It is good to point out that there is much talk about researchers working at THz frequencies, but in actuality, most are working in the mm-wave and sub-THz/sub-mmwave bands (30 GHz to 300 GHz is defined as the mm-wave band, 300 GHz and higher is the sub-mm-wave). The bulk of the research today is below 300 GHz, due to the current availability of test equipment and pricing. Only a small group worldwide are really working at the THz frequencies.
Currently, Virginia Diodes (VDI), located where else but Virginia, makes the THz converters for Agilent's Vector Network Analyzers. Most of their business comes from the radio astronomy, JPL and device characterization community. For instance, Northrop-Grumman in SoCal is working with VDI for on-wafer transistor device measurements. I believe NGC has reached record-breaking Ft's of greater than 700 GHz.
Some of the popular research at the sub-THz frequencies are for radiometry, atmospheric and space-based imaging, explosives detection and radio astronomy. Due to the naturally occuring resonant frequencies, some very interesting research going on with regards to imaging! I had a chance to attend the THz Conference in May in Tucscon, AZ, and though it was called the "THz Conference," again most of the work was below 600 GHz.
@Barry, too bad you couldn't attend the Crab Feast in Baltimore last week...crab cakes were excellent!
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