Periodic Reporting for period 1 - FASTERA (A THz communication evaluation kit)
Periodo di rendicontazione: 2021-06-01 al 2023-02-28
The AGTD data reception performance at ~0.2 THz was tested at ETH Zurich, showing the detection of data streams at bit rates from 0.5 Gbit s-1 to 3 Gbit s-1 with bit-error-ratio (BER) values lower than 10-10 and signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) exceeding 12 dB. These results, to the best of our knowledge, are the first demonstration of a graphene receiver operating in the sub-THz band.
The outcomes of this project show that the FASTERA technology have considerable potential for further development, and eventual deployment within the communications industry.
The potential societal benefits of introducing THz communications are substantial. Since the COVID 19 pandemic there has been a strong shift towards telework, remote education, and telemedicine. Next generation online social interactions, involving AR/VR and metaverses are also set to undergo a major growth period in the coming years. All of these applications require communications systems that provide/enable high rates of data transfer. THz communications will likely be included in an industry-wide roadmap that outlines which technologies or capabilities will become future industry standards. In 2019, the worldwide THz technology market size was $487 million, and it is expected to reach $2271 by the end of 2026, with a CAGR of 24.3% during the forecasted period. The economic benefits of exploiting novel communication technologies will be substantial across the whole telecom value chain – from OEMs, system integrators and component manufacturers up to advanced materials providers (e.g. graphene manufacturers). While THz systems are being rapidly explored in the security or quality control industries, efficient, cost-effective, miniaturised components remain to be broadly implemented – signifying a substantial gap in the market and commercial opportunity.