IIT Delhi Researchers Develop Terahertz Radiation Source for Beyond 6G TechnologyAn IIT Delhi research team led by Assistant Professor Rahul Mishra and Professor Samaresh Das developed a device to produce high-intensity radiation at frequencies beyond the capabilities of current 6G communication technologies. The design and construction of this innovative apparatus were led by Pinki Yadav, an IIT Delhi research researcher, with crucial measurements carried out at the National University of Singapore (NUS).
As per the team lead the existing sources for the current frequency range face limitations such as narrow bandwidths, low emission strength, and the need for low-temperature operations. The apparatus is referred to as a spintronic terahertz (THz) emitter, and functions via a bilayer structure consisting of both ferromagnetic and non-magnetic components. The IIT Delhi group demonstrated innovation by employing platinum to create a semimetal substance in their lab, which was subsequently combined with a layer of cobalt. With this combination, the device can produce high-powered pulses close to 1012 Hz, in the terahertz frequency region.
Significance of the new development
According to the researchers, the use of the THz technology is broad and significant. Highlighting the significance of the technology the scholars mentioned that the Terahertz technology, with its high-frequency radiation emission capabilities, holds the potential to revolutionize various aspects of our daily lives. The technology is non-invasive in nature which is particularly advantageous for medical imaging. The new imaging technique will enable doctors to visualize the interior of the human body safely, without getting exposed to any radiation risks associated with conventional X-rays.
The new research is also significant concerning the communication application. Pinki Yadav, reflecting on the improved communication speed added, “In the realm of telecommunications, THz waves can facilitate faster and more secure wireless networks, significantly enhancing the speed and reliability of our internet connections.”
The outcome of this research was published in ACS Nano Letters, a prestigious journal by the American Chemical Society famously known for its focus on nanomaterials and devices. This significant advancement was achieved at the IIT Delhi’s Center for Applied Research in Electronics (CARE), in collaboration with Professor Yang Hyunsoo from the National University of Singapore.
Notably, Terahertz radiation occupies a middle ground between the microwaves and infrared light waves, known as the terahertz gap and terahertz is equivalent to the 1000 GHz.