Grant: Strategic Projects - Group

State-of-the-art ICTs are mainly based on two technologies - fiber optical communication (long-haul/high-throughput) and Radio-Frequency/microwave wireless communication (local/access network connection). Fiber optic communication system has high transmission capacities but require a pre-laid-down optical fiber network, which is expensive and difficult to reconfigure. A wireless communication system is much more flexible (no wired physical connection) but has a much lower transmission rate. It is becoming clear that currently available technologies will be challenged to accommodate future demand for higher speed yet flexible communications. Emerging terahertz technologies aim to address the underdeveloped and almost unexploited electromagnetic spectra range between 1 and 10 THz, which lies between the infrared optical bands and RF/microwave frequencies. These technologies have not achieved market traction primarily due to a lack of compact, low-energy-consumption, solid-state based and easily-operational terahertz devices to perform key functions, such as wave generation, detection and amplification. This proposed strategic project targets development of novel THz devices for high-speed optical wireless communication systems, which can be used in scenarios such as inter-satellite communications, secured and high-speed short-link communications, etc. We will design and fabricate high performance semiconductor THz emitters, detectors and amplifiers, which can be integrated coherently for the first time in a THz system to demonstrate wireless communication applications. It is anticipated that this work will result in a comprehensive base of new knowledge, a variety of novel THz devices and the first optical wireless communication prototype system at THz frequencies. Ultimately, this project will contribute significantly to the rapid growth of Canadian companies in strategically important areas such as communications, photonics, environmental and biomedical technologies, wherein the proposed THz devices can be applied. It will also provide excellent training opportunities for HQP to acquire critical photonic knowledge and hands-on skills needed to lead innovation in these areas.