Terahertz frequency devices and systems for ultrahigh capacity wireless communications

High data throughput wireless communication systems are central to our lives, livelihoods, and national security, with recent increases in remote working particularly emphasising the importance of high performance and resilient data communication systems. Data traffic is increasing exponentially, with the fastest-growing part of this increase being on wireless channels, as mobile users increasingly make use of online services. This is unsustainable using state-of-the-art radio frequency and microwave systems, and further compounded by the shortage of allocable electromagnetic spectrum into which current radio frequency and microwave wireless communications can grow. Although recent development of commercial products at millimetre wave frequencies (60-95 GHz) offer a potential solution, they still remain limited by an available bandwidth of <7 GHz per band, and are not viable to meet the increasing demand.

In this programme, we will develop the first integrated high throughput wireless communication systems operating at terahertz carrier frequencies, between 2-5 THz. The advantage of using a terahertz carrier relative to microwave frequency carriers is the much greater available bandwidth, and hence higher data rate, that can be supported. We will demonstrate a two orders-of-magnitude increase in data rates over state-of-the-art radio frequency and microwave systems, beyond 100 Gbit/s and towards 1 Tbit/s.

We will achieve these ambitious goals through the concurrent development of new and specialized terahertz frequency sources, detectors, modulators, and signal control techniques, with specifications not only defined and evaluated in the context of the overall system requirements, but also individually refined throughout the programme in response to the performance and technical specification obtained for each component.

This programme is timely and important, and will position the UK at the international forefront of new, secure and reliable wireless communications infrastructures and networks. Our programme will support the UK requirement for national capability in advanced communication systems, and safeguard the UK against vulnerability to overseas technology and export controls in a changing international landscape. It will support the UK's major space communications industry, and the creation of a resilient global internet, with satellite-to-satellite interconnectivity, and contribute to the UK's 2050 net-zero targets by facilitating immersive virtual working.

Finally, we will attract, train and inspire a diverse cohort of future UK academic and industrial leaders and innovators in a holistic, collaborative, and vibrant cross-disciplinary environment, promoting outreach and advocacy, and build capability in an area of national shortage.