Japanese physicists break the 100 Gbit/s barrier at 560 GHz
Researchers at Tokushima University, in collaboration with scientists from the University of Tokyo and Gifu University, have achieved a technological breakthrough that brings the era of 6G mobile networks closer. Physicists demonstrated stable data transmission at a record speed of 112 Gbit/s over a single channel in the 560 GHz ultra-high frequency range. This is the first time in scientific history that the 100 Gbit/s threshold has been surpassed at frequencies above 420 GHz. This is reported by Ixbt.com reports .
The terahertz range (above 300 GHz) is the foundation for future 6G networks, as it allows for the creation of "information highways" with massive bandwidth. However, traditional silicon electronics face physical limitations at frequencies above 350 GHz: transmitter power drops and noise levels rise sharply. To overcome this barrier, the team led by Takeshi Yasui abandoned electronic generators and used a radiophotonics approach.
The scientists used a soliton microcomb device, smaller than a human fingernail, grown on a silicon nitride chip. This optical instrument splits laser light into multiple lines perfectly tuned in frequency and phase. By applying 16QAM modulation, the physicists managed to convert light into incredibly pure terahertz radio waves.
In addition to the record speed, the authors also solved the problem of system stability. Previous laboratory circuits were extremely sensitive to temperature changes and would fail within minutes. Tokushima engineers welded the optical fiber directly to the microresonator chip and installed a temperature control system. As a result, the device operated continuously and reliably in the laboratory for over 27 hours.
It will still be years before this technology appears in smartphones. Physicists must work on increasing signal transmission distance and further reducing noise. The first practical application of this technology is expected to be in network infrastructure hidden from users—backhaul communication channels connecting base stations.
