Before the emergence of ultra-wideband (UWB) radios, widely used wireless communications were based on sinusoidal carriers, and impulse technologies were employed only in specific applications (e.g. radar). In 2002, the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) allowed unlicensed operation between 3.1–10.6 GHz for UWB communication, using a wideband signal format with a low EIRP level (−41.3dBm/MHz). UWB communication systems then emerged as an alternative to narrowband systems and significant effort in this area has been invested at the regulatory, commercial, and research levels.

IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques and Antennas and Propagation Announce a Joint Special Issue on Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Technology

Using a leaky-wave antenna, free-space-to-waveguide frequency-division multiplexing and demultiplexing are demonstrated in the terahertz range. Both the frequency and the spectral bandwidth of multiplexed channels can be independently controlled. The idea of using radiation in the 0.1–1.0 THz range as carrier waves for free-space wireless communications has attracted growing interest in recent years, due to the promise of the large available bandwidth1,2. Recent research has focused on system demonstrations3,4, as well as the exploration of new components for modulation5, beam steering6 and polarization control7. However, the multiplexing and demultiplexing of terahertz signals remains an unaddressed challenge, despite the importance of such capabilities for broadband networks. Using a leaky-wave antenna based on a metal parallel-plate waveguide, we demonstrate frequency-division multiplexing and demultiplexing over more than one octave of bandwidth. We show that this device architecture offers a unique method for controlling the spectrum allocation, by variation of the waveguide plate separation. This strategy, which is distinct from those previously employed in either the microwave8 or optical9 regimes, enables independent control of both the centre frequency and bandwidth of multiplexed terahertz channels.

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Frequency-division multiplexing in the terahertz range using a leaky-wave antenna

The terahertz range possesses significant untapped potential for applications including high-volume wireless communications, noninvasive medical imaging, sensing, and safe security screening However, due to the unique characteristics and constraints of terahertz waves, the vast majority of these applications are entirely dependent upon the availability of beam control techniques Thus, the development of advanced terahertz-range beam control techniques yields a range of useful and unparalleled applications This article provides an overview and tutorial on terahertz beam control The underlying principles of wavefront engineering include array antenna theory and diffraction optics, which are drawn from the neighboring microwave and optical regimes, respectively As both principles are applicable across the electromagnetic spectrum, they are reconciled in this overview This provides a useful foundation for investigations into beam control in the terahertz range, which lies between microwaves and infrared

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Tutorial: Terahertz beamforming, from concepts to realizations

Using parallel-plate waveguides (PPWGs) that mimic artificial dielectrics, we demonstrate a universal filter that provides low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, and band-stop (or notch) filtering functionalities in the terahertz (THz) frequency regime. The device essentially consists of two PPWGs in a complementary geometry. The filtering functionality is achieved by positioning an appropriate amplitude mask in the path of the spatially chirped THz beam between the two waveguides. By varying the position of the mask, we experimentally and theoretically demonstrate continuous tunability of the respective 3 dB cutoff frequencies within the frequency range from about 0.3 to 0.7 THz.

A tunable universal terahertz filter using artificial dielectrics based on parallel-plate waveguides

The development of terahertz technology in the last few decades has made it possible to obtain a clear terahertz (THz) spectrum. THz vibrations clearly show the formation of weak bonds in crystals. The simultaneous progress in the code of first-principles calculations treating noncovalent interactions has established the position of THz spectroscopy as a powerful tool for detecting the weak bonding in crystals. In this review, we are going to introduce, briefly, the contribution of weak bonds in the construction of molecular crystals first, and then, we will review THz spectroscopy as a powerful tool for detecting the formation of weak bonds and will show the significant contribution of advanced computational codes in treating noncovalent interactions. From the second section, following the Introduction, to the seventh section, before the conclusions, we describe: (1) the crystal packing forces, the hydrogen-bonded networks and their contribution to the construction of organic crystals; (2) the THz vibrations observed in hydrogen-bonded molecules; (3) the computational methods for analyzing the THz vibrations of hydrogen-bonded molecules; (4) the dispersion correction and anharmonicity incorporated into the first-principles calculations and their effect on the peak assignment of the THz spectrum (5) the temperature dependence; and (6) the polarization dependence of the THz spectrum.

Terahertz Vibrations and Hydrogen-Bonded Networks in Crystals

We demonstrate a 2-D artificial dielectric medium suitable for the terahertz region by exploiting the characteristic frequency dependence in the phase velocity of the lowest order transverse-electric (TE1) mode of the parallel-plate waveguide (PPWG). This artificial medium exhibits a plasma-like behavior having a frequency-dependent refractive index that varies between zero and unity. Using this medium, we demonstrate the optical phenomena of total internal reflection and Brewster's effect, and also demonstrate a convergent PPWG-lens.

R Mendis

Papers

A 2-D Artificial Dielectric With ${0 \leq n for the Terahertz Region