Very-large-scale-integration of graphene terahertz modulators for non-invasive imaging - Terachip
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Manchester
Department Name: Materials
Abstract
In our ERC Consolidator Grant, SmartGraphene, we have been developing graphene-based devices to control terahertz radiation. We
discovered that graphene devices can control both phase (~2pi) and intensity (>90%) of THz radiation very efficiently over a broad
spectrum. The TeraChip PoC project is aiming to develop a technology for very-large-scale integration of these graphene-based THz
modulators (>megapixel elements) on a single chip and demonstrate a THz imaging system using the high-density modulator array
and a sensitive single detector. This approach will enable low-cost THz imaging which will unlock the full potential of THz waves for
non-invasive imaging applications. The project will develop a strong business case for the commercialisation of the developed
technology for the agricultural testing market. The expected outcome of the project is to bring our discovery to a development stage
TRL4-5 with a strong business case, including technology demonstration
discovered that graphene devices can control both phase (~2pi) and intensity (>90%) of THz radiation very efficiently over a broad
spectrum. The TeraChip PoC project is aiming to develop a technology for very-large-scale integration of these graphene-based THz
modulators (>megapixel elements) on a single chip and demonstrate a THz imaging system using the high-density modulator array
and a sensitive single detector. This approach will enable low-cost THz imaging which will unlock the full potential of THz waves for
non-invasive imaging applications. The project will develop a strong business case for the commercialisation of the developed
technology for the agricultural testing market. The expected outcome of the project is to bring our discovery to a development stage
TRL4-5 with a strong business case, including technology demonstration
Organisations
| Description | This project has enabled us to develop a very large scale THz modulator array. The devices developed during the project can provide a new method to control THz radiation for imaging and communication applications. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2023 |
| Sector | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software) |
| Impact Types | Economic |
| Title | Spatial modulator for terahertz radiation |
| Description | There is provided a spatial modulator (100) for terahertz (THz) radiation. The spatial modulator (100) comprises a two-dimensional array of THz modulator pixels (200) having a layered structure. The layered structure of the two-dimensional array comprises an active matrix array (140) disposed on a back substrate layer (150) defining a two- dimensional array of back electrodes (321) of the THz modulator pixels; an electrolyte layer (130); a graphene top electrode (120), and a polymer outer layer (110) disposed on the graphene top electrode (120), wherein the polymer outer layer (110) is substantially transparent to THz radiation. The spatial modulator (100) further comprises control circuitry (400) configured to independently actively address the active matrix array (140) to control an applied voltage across each THz modulator pixel (200) to independently modulate one or more properties of each pixel in the THz region. |
| IP Reference | |
| Protection | Patent / Patent application |
| Year Protection Granted | |
| Licensed | No |
| Impact | Spatial modulator for terahertz radiation There is provided a spatial modulator (100) for terahertz (THz) radiation. The spatial modulator (100) comprises a two-dimensional array of THz modulator pixels (200) having a layered structure. The layered structure of the two-dimensional array comprises an active matrix array (140) disposed on a back substrate layer (150) defining a two- dimensional array of back electrodes (321) of the THz modulator pixels; an electrolyte layer (130); a graphene top electrode (120), and a polymer outer layer (110) disposed on the graphene top electrode (120), wherein the polymer outer layer (110) is substantially transparent to THz radiation. The spatial modulator (100) further comprises control circuitry (400) configured to independently actively address the active matrix array (140) to control an applied voltage across each THz modulator pixel (200) to independently modulate one or more properties of each pixel in the THz region. |