Terahertz Transceivers for Short Range Multi-Gigabit Wireless Communications

对宽带内容和服务的需求一直在以惊人的速度增长，预测表明，到2020年，无线数据速率将需要数十吉比特每秒(Gbps)，主要用于短距离连接。目前可用的无线技术无法支持这些未来的需求，因此迫切需要开发新的技术平台，以实现成本和能源效率高的新技术平台，以实现无处不在的超宽带无线通信与高速光纤网络的无缝集成，为更长期的100 Gbps数据速率铺平道路。目前使用的频谱预计不适合满足预测的未来数据速率要求，因此需要采用高于60 GHz、最高可达1 THz的更高频段。目标和目标：本项目旨在开发一种新颖、低成本、节能和紧凑的超宽带短距离无线通信收发技术，能够满足未来网络使用的预测需求。这将通过开发共振隧道二极管(RTD)器件来实现，RTD器件代表了在室温下运行的最快的纯固态电子器件，据报道工作频率超过1 THz。该项目旨在通过改进电路设计和实现，将RTD振荡器的输出功率提高到500 GHz以上的1 mW以上，并将其用于基本的多千兆无线通信链路。研究方法的创新：在这个项目中，我们还将寻求开发600 GHz和1 THz的高功率电源。更高的频率提供了更高的(调制)带宽，同时天线的挑战也减少了，因为高介电常数基板可以与地面隔离，并将自旋导通介质(如苯并环丁烷，BCB)用作常见平面天线(如贴片天线)的基板。振荡器将在最近开发的基于聚酰亚胺的微带技术中实现，该技术提供了实现太赫兹RTD振荡器所需的低电感值。外延层的设计和工艺将进行优化，以降低器件接触电阻和峰值电流电压，分别提高器件带宽和电路效率。与EPSRC的战略和研究领域保持一致：研究主题与EPSRC的优先领域射频和微波器件、非CMOS器件技术和制造未来保持一致。其潜在的应用和优势：太赫兹(THz)频率范围因其广泛的适用性而受到相当大的关注。特别是，使用太赫兹范围内可用宽带的大容量短距离无线通信是一个重要的应用。其他重要的应用包括成像、医学和法医学。太赫兹光谱还包含许多在生物化学、大气和材料研究中感兴趣的光谱模式。然而，由于缺乏低成本、紧凑和易于部署的设备，还有许多未实现的机会。该项目的成功将导致紧凑型房间温源可以很容易地部署在上述领域。其他将受益的系统包括化学分析和太赫兹天文学。低成本紧凑型太赫兹源也将成为机场、民用建筑和公共场所门户安检系统的一项使能技术。在与门户系统兼容的短距离内以视频速率通过衣服进行安全检查将是可能的。它们对于非破坏性测试应用也很有用。任何参与的公司或合作者：该项目为欧盟iBROW项目(www.ibrow-project t.eu)做出贡献，因此与包括诺基亚贝尔实验室在内的许多合作伙伴都有链接。

The demand for broadband content and services has been growing at tremendous rates, and predictions indicate that wireless data-rates of multiple tens of gigabits per second (Gbps) will be required by the year 2020, essentially for short-range connectivity. Currently available wireless technology cannot support these future demands, and so there is an urgent need to develop new technology platforms that are cost and energy efficient to enable ubiquitous ultra-broadband wireless communications seamlessly integrated with high-speed fibre-optic networks, paving the way for 100 Gbps data rates in the longer term. The frequency spectrum currently in use is not expected to be suitable to accommodate the predicted future data-rate requirements, and therefore there is a need to embrace higher frequency bands, above 60 GHz and up to 1 THz. Aims and objectives:This project aims at developing a novel, low cost, energy-efficient and compact ultra-broadband short-range wireless communication transceiver technology, capable of addressing predicted future network usage requirements. This will be pursued through the exploitation of Resonant Tunnelling Diode (RTD) devices which represent the fastest pure solid-state electronic devices operating at room temperature with reported working frequencies exceeding 1 THz. The project aims at increasing the RTD oscillator output power to over 1 mW at frequencies above 500 GHz through improved circuit design and implementation, and the use of this in basic multi-gigabit wireless communications links.Novelty of the research methodology:On this project, we will also seek to develop high power sources at 600 GHz and 1THz. The higher frequencies provide higher (modulation) bandwidth, while the antenna challenge is reduced since the high permittivity substrate can be isolated with a ground plane and a spin-on dielectric such as benzocyclobutane (BCB) used as a substrate for common planar antennas such as patch antennas. The oscillators will be realised in the recently developed polyimide-based microstrip technology which offers the required low inductance values required to realise THz RTD oscillators. The epitaxial layer design and processing will be optimised to reduce the device contact resistances and the peak current voltage to increase both the device bandwidth and circuit efficiency, respectively.Alignment to EPSRC's strategies and research areas:The research topic is aligned to EPSRC priority areas of RF and Microwave Devices, Non-CMOS Device Technology and Manufacturing the Future.Its potential applications and benefits:The terahertz (THz) frequency range has received considerable attention due to its wide applicability. In particular, high-capacity short-distance wireless communication using the wide bandwidth available in the THz range is an important application. Other important applications include imaging, medicine and forensics. The THz spectrum also contains many spectroscopic modes that are of interest in biochemistry, atmospheric and materials research. There are, however, many unfulfilled opportunities owing to lack of low-cost, compact and easily deployable equipment. The success of this project would result in compact room temperature sources that could be readily deployed in the aforementioned fields. Other systems that will benefit include chemical analysis and THz astronomy. Low cost compact THz sources would also be an enabling technology for portal security screening systems for airports, civil buildings and public places. Safe screening through clothing at video rates for short stand-off distances compatible with portal systems would be possible. They would also be useful for non-destructive testing applications. Any companies or collaborators involved:This project contributes to the EU iBROW project (www.ibrow-project.eu) and so has links to a number of partners including Nokia Bell Labs.