World first for Chinese scientists in terahertz wireless communication technology

A breakthrough in fast, long-distance data transmission is good news for future communication in space, researchers say

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Chinese scientists have made a breakthrough in terahertz wireless communication, which could help with future fast, long-distance communication. Photo: Shutterstock

Published: 10:00pm, 4 Oct 2024Updated: 10:47pm, 4 Oct 2024

Faster long-distance data transmission is a step closer, according to a team of Chinese scientists who say they have transmitted high-definition video signals over more than a kilometre using terahertz wireless communication technology.

The experiment, led by Purple Mountain Observatory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), was the world’s first successful application of high-sensitivity superconducting receiver technology in long-distance terahertz wireless communication systems, according to the observatory.

Terahertz (THz) radiation is an electromagnetic wave that lies between the microwave and infrared frequency bands, a relatively unoccupied part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Terahertz technology is known for being a powerful imaging tool for security screening and medical diagnostics.

It is a key technology being explored by scientists for 6G and future ultra-fast wireless communication due to its ability to carry large amounts of data.

It could also prove crucial for communication in space, according to the team, enabling massive real-time data transmission.

Scientists have been trying to overcome bottlenecks such as severe signal attenuation that hinders long-range terahertz communication.