Since its introduction, 5G technologies have undergone significant development, passing through several phases. A recent version of this technology, known as 5G Advanced or 5G Enhanced, is already implemented, but researchers are actively working on different concepts for the 6G networks of the future. Finally, recent research has shown promising results that could be applied to 6G, including record data transfer speeds.
Specialists from the University of Adelaide, with international support, are engaged in the development of a miniature chip capable of controlling terahertz waves. These waves are in the ideal part of the electromagnetic spectrum, between microwaves and infrared radiation. If the appropriate technology is developed, communication systems operating on the basis of terahertz waves can significantly exceed existing data transfer rates.
This advantage of terahertz waves allows them to easily transmit huge amounts of information. Although 4G and 5G networks are already quite powerful solutions, terahertz technologies can serve as a kind of extension of the road network in busy places. So the speeds we think are fast today may seem slow in the future.
At the heart of this research is a compact chip made from a 250-micrometer-thick silicon wafer. One of its main requirements is a high degree of electrical resistance. The research team subjected this chip to a variety of tests related to data transmission using terahertz waves. This chip, dubbed a 'polarization multiplexer', was able to effectively overcome some of the key challenges associated with terahertz technology.
First, managing such waves is a serious task. However, the polarization multiplexer became a kind of "regulator" for these waves, expertly controlling their orientation and oscillations with minimal signal loss. This is of great importance for the possible implementation of standards in the field of telecommunications, since the average signal loss in this chip was about 1 decibel.
The team successfully demonstrated the outstanding performance of their chip in real-world conditions, simultaneously broadcasting two video signals over a terahertz channel. This made it possible to double the current data transmission capacity compared to conventional channels, reaching a speed of 64 GB per second, while using more complex modulation (16-QAM) – 190 GB per second.
This technological progress is capable of radically changing telecommunications and remote communication as we understand it. Although the attention of many may focus on data transfer speed, it is important not to forget about the very low level of signal loss. Wireless networks will be able to provide instant responses for online games or support complex remote operations with zero latency and high-resolution images. This is especially true for creating more realistic and immersive virtual experiences, which will become critical with the release of new virtual reality headsets from leading companies.
However, the implementation of terahertz technologies in telecommunications networks faces real difficulties. These waves, for example, have limited range and high sensitivity to interference, making them similar to the 5 GHz band on WiFi. It is also necessary to develop more efficient systems for the generation and detection of terahertz waves. The research team has tested the miniature chip, but it needs improved scaling techniques for larger platforms. While 5G continues to develop, a group of researchers believe that in ten years, terahertz technology will be firmly embedded in various industries such as telecommunications and the Internet of Things, which will be a real revolution.