Real-Time Sub-THz Link Enabled Purely by Optoelectronics: 90–310 GHz Seamless Operation

Abstract

Optoelectronic technology is expected to be the cornerstone of sub-THz communication systems, enabling access to and use of the vast frequency resources found in this portion of the spectrum. In this work we demonstrate a photonics-enabled sub-THz wireless link operating in real-time settings, using a PIN-PD-based THz emitter, and a THz receiver based on an ultra-fast photoconductor. The real-time generation and detection of the information signal is performed by an intermediate frequency (IF) unit based on a commercially available mmWave platform, operating at 1.6 GBaud. The evaluation of our setup takes place on two phases. Firstly, a homodyne scenario is demonstrated, where the same pair of lasers is used at the transmitter and receiver side. Secondly, we demonstrate a heterodyne scheme, employing optical phase locking techniques at the receiver. Errorfree operation was achieved in both scenarios at a bit rate of 3.2 Gb/s, over 1 m of free-space with ambient air. The broadband characteristics of our setup were validated, achieving error-free transmission over a 0.22 THz range, spanning from 90 up to 310 GHz. Finally, the stability of our real-time link was successfully demonstrated, showing stable SNR performance at the receiver with adaptive capabilities, over a time period of 5 min and 22 sec.

180 Gbps Multi-Channel 300 GHz Communications Enabled by Photonically-Driven Low-Barrier Mixers

“…A wide variety of technologies have been studied for THz communications. These can be categorized into three groups: purely electronic [16]- [19], hybrid electronic-photonic [20]- [23], and purely optoelectronic [24]- [26]. The use of optoelectronic technologies is especially interesting for several compelling reasons.…”