What’s happening?
Researchers at Adelaide University are moving closer to ultra-fast 6G wireless by translating terahertz research into working hardware.
The Terahertz Engineering Laboratory is collaborating with the Australian National Fabrication Facility SA to design and build devices that operate in the terahertz range.
Terahertz waves sit between microwaves and infrared light in the electromagnetic spectrum. This part of the spectrum has only recently become usable due to advances in engineering and manufacturing.
The work focuses on designing, testing, and fabricating devices that could support the next generation of wireless networks.
Why it matters
Terahertz frequencies are expected to play a central role in 6G, enabling wireless performance well beyond current networks.
Researchers say the technology could support both ultra-fast data transmission and advanced sensing applications.
TEL Group Leader Professor Withawat Withayachumnankul said the research spans communication and sensing uses.
“We’re exploring devices that could enable wireless data rates above one terabit per second across several kilometres,” he said.
“On the sensing front, we’re looking at safe, see-through scanners for security inspection, manufacturing quality control and agricultural monitoring.”
Local impact
The collaboration brings advanced research and specialist fabrication together in South Australia.
University researchers lead the design, testing, and measurement of terahertz devices, while fabrication relies on ANFF-SA’s facilities at Mawson Lakes.
The partnership strengthens local capability in microfabrication and future wireless technologies.
By the numbers, with context
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The devices are being designed to support wireless data rates above one terabit per second over distances of several kilometres.
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Fabrication is supported by ANFF-SA facilities valued at about $30 million.
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Device components are manufactured with micron-scale precision to achieve the required communication and sensing performance.
Zoom in
ANFF-SA’s facilities enable the production of highly specialised terahertz antennas and silicon components.
Fabrication processes include photolithography and deep reactive ion etching, which allow for detailed, micron-scale structures.
These techniques support the creation of components required for advanced communication and sensing systems.
Zoom out
ANFF-SA Microfabrication Team Lead Dr Jing-Ho Pai said reliability and precision are central to the collaboration.
“Working closely with the research team, we are exploring fabrication options for these complex structures, ensuring reliability at every step,” he said.
What to look for next?
The hardware being developed is expected to contribute to the core technology behind 6G networks.
Terahertz frequencies are also being explored for their sensing potential beyond communications.
“Terahertz frequencies also hold key molecular signatures that are vital for radio astronomy.”
