Ressort Presse

• von Birte Vierjahn
• 14.10.2020

They can emit, detect, modulate and store light to receive and process high-frequency terahertz radiation – in theory. So far, only individual components of optical chips have been developed; there still remain some challenges before complete circuits based on photons will be available. These challenges are now being met by the European Training Network TERAOPTICS, coordinated by engineers from the UDE. The EU provides four million euros in funding for the project until 2024.

Using special technology, light can be converted into high-frequency terahertz radiation between 0.3 and 10 THz. "This technology is very promising, for example for future mobile communications networks, security technology or space flight," explains Prof. Dr. Andreas Stöhr from UDE's Centre for Semiconductor Technology and Optoelectronics (ZHO), who coordinates the network. PhD students from universities and research institutes all around the world and from several European industrial companies are investigating various aspects of the technology in 15 subprojects.

They want to develop optically integrated semiconductor chips, i.e. circuits that work with photons instead of electrons. This would allow THz signals to be generated and processed with greater efficiency and precision – a fundamental advantage, for example, for materials analysis or the transmission of extremely high data rates by radio. "But optical systems developed to date are generally too complex and ultimately too expensive as well," Stöhr summarizes the current situation.

Combination of Different Material Systems

One of the biggest challenges is the assembly from different material systems, because unlike entirely silicon-based electronic chips, the components of the optical technology need different carrier materials and must yet function in an integrated system. Consequently, there is also a need for research in the design of the chips, their microstructuring, and in interconnection and assembly technology. "A prerequisite for as many innovative solutions as possible is the ability to miniaturize an optical system and produce it cost-effectively," the coordinator states.

TERAOPTICS is the first European Training Network coordinated by the UDE. How great the interest in the topic is, is reflected in the large number of associated partners, including the European Space Agency ESA, the European Association of Photonics Industries, but also many start-ups and small companies. The EU supports the network as part of the Marie-Skłodowska-Curie program within Horizon 2020.

Image:
Photonic integrated circuit (PIC) for Terahertz beam steering.

Further Information:
First demonstration of an optically integrated chip for 6G communication (Video)
https://teraoptics.eu
Prof. Dr. Andreas Stöhr, Optoelectronics, +49 203/37 9-2825, andreas.stoehr@uni-due.de

Editor: Birte Vierjahn, +49203/37 9-2427, birte.vierjahn@uni-due.de