Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Towards THz Communications - Status in Research, Standardization and Regulation

  • Published:
Journal of Infrared, Millimeter, and Terahertz Waves Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

In the most recent years, wireless communication networks have been facing a rapidly increasing demand for mobile traffic along with the evolvement of applications that require data rates of several 10s of Gbit/s. In order to enable the transmission of such high data rates, two approaches are possible in principle. The first one is aiming at systems operating with moderate bandwidths at 60 GHz, for example, where 7 GHz spectrum is dedicated to mobile services worldwide. However, in order to reach the targeted date rates, systems with high spectral efficiencies beyond 10 bit/s/Hz have to be developed, which will be very challenging. A second approach adopts moderate spectral efficiencies and requires ultra high bandwidths beyond 20 GHz. Such an amount of unregulated spectrum can be identified only in the THz frequency range, i.e. beyond 300 GHz. Systems operated at those frequencies are referred to as THz communication systems. The technology enabling small integrated transceivers with highly directive, steerable antennas becomes the key challenges at THz frequencies in face of the very high path losses. This paper gives an overview over THz communications, summarizing current research projects, spectrum regulations and ongoing standardization activities.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Figure 1
Figure 2

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. T. Kürner, I. Kallfass, K. Ajito, A. Kasamatsu, D. Britz, S. Priebe: “What’s next? Wireless Communication beyond 60 GHz (Tutorial IG THz),” IEEE 802 Plenary Session, IEEE 802.15 Document 15-12-0320-01-0thz, San Diego, July 2012, https://mentor.ieee.org/802.15/dcn/12/15-12-0320-01-0thz-what-s-next-wireless-communication-beyond-60-ghz-tutorial-ig-thz.pdf

  2. Cisco Visual Networking Index: Global Mobile Data Traffic Forecast Update, 2010–2015; http://newsroom.cisco.com/dlls/ekits/Cisco_VNI_Global_Mobile_Data_Traffic_ Forecast_ 2010_2015.pdf

  3. S. Cherry, “Edholm’s Law of Bandwidth,” IEEE Spectrum, vol. 41, no. 7, pp. 58–60, 2004.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. S. Priebe, Towards THz Communications: Propagation Studies, Indoor Channel Modeling and Interference Investigation, Dissertation, Technische Universität Braunschweig 2013, Shaker Verlag 2013

  5. R. Piesiewicz, T. Kleine-Ostmann, N. Krumbholz, D. Mittleman, M. Koch, J. Schoebel, T. Kürner: “Short-Range Ultra-Broadband Terahertz Communications: Concepts and Perspectives,” IEEE Antennas and Propagation Magazine, vol. 49, no. 6, pp. 24–39, 2007.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. T. Kleine-Ostmann, T. Nagatsuma: “A Review on Terahertz Communications Research,” Journal of Infrared, Millimeter and Terahertz Waves, vol. 32, no. 2, pp. 143–171, 2011.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. J. Federici, L. Moeller: “Review of Terahertz and Subterahertz Wireless Communications,” Journal of Applied Physics, vol. 107, no. 11, 22 pages, 2010.

  8. Ho-Jin Song; Nagatsuma, T.: "Present and Future of Terahertz Communications," IEEE Transactions on Terahertz Science and Technology, vol.1, no.1, pp.256-263, September 2011

  9. T. Kürner, “THz Communications – Approaching Wireless 100 Gbit/s”, in Proc. International Symposium on Future THz Technology FTT 2012, Nara, Japan, November 2012 (3 pages)

  10. T. Kürner, “Towards Future THz Communications”, Terahertz Science and Technology, vol. 5, no. 1, pp. 11-17, March 2012

  11. T. Kürner.: “Launching a Study Group on THz,” IEEE 802 Plenary Session, IEEE 802.15 Document 15-13-0130-01-0thz, Orlando, March 2013, https://mentor.ieee.org/802.15/dcn/13/15-13-0130-01-0thz-launching-a-study-group-on-thz.pdf

  12. Kaishun Wu, „Rethinking the architecture design of data center networks”, Front. Comp. Science, Review Article, 9 pages, 2012

  13. Katayama Y, Takano K, Kohda Y, Ohba N, Nakano, “Wireless data center networking with steered-beam mmwave links”, in: Proceeding of 2011 I.E. Wireless Communications and Networking Conference,, pp. 2179–2184, 2011

  14. R. Piesiewicz, T. Kleine-Ostmann, N. Krumbholz, D. Mittleman, M. Koch, T. Kürner: “Terahertz Characterisation of Building Materials,” IEE Electronics Letters, vol. 41, no. 18, pp. 1002–1004, 2005

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. R. Piesiewicz, C. Jansen, S. Wietzke, D. Mittleman, M. Koch, T. Kürner: “Properties of Building and Plastic Materials in the THz Range,” International Journal of Infrared and Millimeter Waves, vol. 28, no. 5, pp. 363–371, 2007

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. R. Piesiewicz, C. Jansen, D. Mittleman, T. Kleine-Ostmann, M. Koch, T. Kürner: “Scattering Analysis for the Modeling of THz Communication Systems,” IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, vol. 55, no. 11, pp. 3002–3009, 2007

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. C. Jansen, S. Priebe, C. Möller, M. Jacob, H. Dierke, M. Koch, T. Kürner: “Diffuse Scattering from Rough Surfaces in THz Communication Channels,” IEEE Transactions on Terahertz Science and Technology, vol. 1, no. 2, pp. 462-472, November 2011

  18. C. Jansen, R. Piesiewicz, D. Mittleman, T. Kürner, M. Koch: “The Impact of Reflections from Stratified Building Materials on the Wave Propagation in Future Indoor Terahertz Communication Systems,” IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, vol. 56, no. 5, pp. 1413–1419, 2008

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Jacob, M.; Priebe, S.; Dickhoff, R.; Kleine-Ostmann, T.; Schrader, T.; Kürner, T.: "Diffraction in mm and Sub-mm Wave Indoor Propagation Channels," IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques, vol.60, no.3, pp.833-844, March 2012

  20. S. Priebe, C. Jastrow, M. Jacob, T. Kleine-Ostmann, T. Schrader, T. Kürner: “Channel and Propagation Measurements at 300 GHz,” IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, vol. 59, no. 5, pp. 1688–1698, 2011

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. S. Priebe, M. Jacob, T. Kürner: “Calibrated Broadband Ray Tracing for the Simulation of Wave Propagation in mm and sub- mm Wave Indoor Communication Channels” in Proc. 18th European Wireless Conference (EW), 10 pages (electronic), Poznan, April 2012

  22. S. Priebe, M. Jacob, T. Kürner: “AoA, AoD and ToA Characteristics of Scattered Multipath Clusters for THz Indoor Channel Modeling,” in Proc. 17th European Wireless Conference (EW), 9 pages (electronic), Vienna, April 2011

  23. L. Moeller, K. Su, R. B. Barat, J. Federici: “THz and IR Signaling through Fog Scintillations” in Proc. 18th European Wireless Conference (EW), 5 pages (electronic),Poznan, April 2012

  24. Schneider, T.; Wiatrek, A.; Preussler, S.; Grigat, M.; Braun, R.; , "Link Budget Analysis for Terahertz Fixed Wireless Links," IEEE Transactions on Terahertz Science and Technology, vol. 2, no. 2, pp.250-256, March 2012

  25. C. Jastrow, K. Münter, R. Piesiewicz, T. Kürner, M. Koch, T. Kleine-Ostmann: “300 GHz Transmission System,” IET Electronics Letters, vol. 44, pp. 213–214, 2008

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. C. Jastrow, S. Priebe, B. Spitschan, J. Hartmann, M. Jacob, T. Kürner, T. Kleine-Ostmann, T. Schrader: “Wireless Digital Data Transmission at 300 GHz,” IET Electronics Letters, vol. 46, no. 9, pp. 661–663, 2010

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. L. Moeller, J. Federici, K. Su, “THz Wireless Communications: 2.5 Gb/s Error-Free Transmission at 625 GHz Using a Narrow-Bandwidth 1 mW THz Source”, 30th URSI General Assembly and Scientific Symposium (URSI GASS), 4 pages (electronic), Istanbul, August 2011

  28. G. Ducournau, P. Szriftgiser, D. Bacquet, A. Beck, T. Akalin, E. Peytavit, M. Zaknoune, and J. F. Lampin, "Optically power supplied Gbit/s wireless hotspot using 1.55 um THz photomixer and heterodyne detection at 200 GHz," Electron. Lett. 46, 1349-1351 (2010)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. T. Nagatsuma, H. Song, Y. Fujimoto, K. Miyake, A. Hirata, K. Ajito, A. Wakatsuki, T. Furuta, N. Kukutsu, Y. Kado: “Giga-Bit Wireless Link Using 300-400 GHz Bands,” in Proc. International Topical Meeting on Microwave Photonics (MWP), 5 pages (electronic), Valencia, October 2009

  30. H.-J. Song, K. Ajito, A. Hirata, A. Wakatsuki, Y. Muramoto, T. Furuta, N. Kukutsu, T. Nagatsuma and Y. Kado, “8 Gbit/s wireless data transmission at 250 GHz,” IEE Electron. Lett., vol. 45, no. 22, pp. 1121-1122, 2009

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. R. Piesiewicz, M. Jacob, M. Koch, J. Schoebel, T. Kürner: “Performance Analysis of Future Multigigabit Wireless Communication Systems at THz Frequencies with Highly Directive Antennas in Realistic Indoor Environments,” IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 421–430, 2008

    Article  Google Scholar 

  32. S. Priebe, M. Jacob, T. Kürner: “The Impact of Antenna Directivities on THz Indoor Channel Characteristics,” Proc. 6th European Conference on Antennas and Propagation (EuCAP), 5 pages (electronic), Prague, April 2012

  33. S. Priebe, M. Jacob, T. Kürner: “Affection of THz Communication Links by Antenna Misalignment,” Proc. 6th European Conference on Antennas and Propagation (EuCAP), 5 pages (electronic), Prague, April 2012

  34. M. Grigat et. al., Propagation Aspects of Terahertz Outdoor Fixed Wireless Links, IEEE 802.15 Document 15-13-0175-01-0thz, Atlanta, Orlando 2013, https://mentor.ieee.org/802.15/dcn/13/15-13-0175-01-0thz-propagation-aspects-of-terahertz-outdoor-fixed-wireless-links.pdf

  35. T. Nagatsuma: “Terahertz Communications Technologies Based on Photonic and Electronic Approaches” in Proc. 18th European Wireless Conference (EW), 4 pages (electronic), Poznan, April 2012

  36. I. Kallfass, J. Antes, D. Lopez-Diaz, S. Diebold, H. Massler, A. Leuther, A. Tessmann, “All Active MMIC Based Wireless Communication at 220 GHz," IEEE Transactions on Terahertz Science and Technology, vol. 1, no. 2, pp. 477-487, November 2011.

  37. I. Kallfass, J. Antes, D. Lopez-Diaz, S. Wagner, A. Tessmann, A. Leuther, “Broadband Active Integrated Circuits for Terahertz Communication," in Proc. 18th European Wireless Conference (EW), 5 pages (electronic), Poznan, April 2012

  38. E. Afshari, The Next Frontier for Circuit Designers: CMOS THz Systems, , IEEE 802.15 Document 15-12-0621-00-0thz, San Antonio, November 2012, https://mentor.ieee.org/802.15/dcn/12/15-12-0621-00-0thz-the-next-frontier-for-circuit-designers-cmos-thz-systems.pdf

  39. Int. Telecommunication Union, Geneva, Switzerland, “Radio regulations,” 2012

  40. A. Clegg: “Sharing between radio astronomy and active services at THz frequencies;” IEEE 802 Plenary Session, IEEE 802.15 Document 15-10-0829-00-0thz, Dallas, November 2010, https://mentor.ieee.org//802.15/dcn/10/15-10-0829-00-0thz-sharing-between-active-and-passive-services-at-thz-frequencies.ppt

  41. A. Gasiewski: “Applications and Requirements for Environmental Remote Sensing,” IEEE 802 Plenary Session, IEEE 802.15 Document 15-11-0765-00-0thz, Atlanta, November 2011, https://mentor.ieee.org/802.15/dcn/11/15-11-0765-00-0thz-remote-sensing-applications-of-thz-bands.pdf

  42. Priebe, S.; Britz, D. M.; Jacob, M.; Sarkozy, S.; Leong, K. M. K. H.; Logan, J. E.; Gorospe, B. S.; Kürner, T.; , "Interference Investigations of Active Communications and Passive Earth Exploration Services in the THz Frequency Range," IEEE Transactions on Terahertz Science and Technology, , vol. 2, no. , pp. 525-537, September 2012

  43. http://www.ieee802.org/15/pub/IGthz.html

  44. Kürner, T.: “Scenarios for the Applications of THz Communciations,” IEEE 802 Plenary Session, IEEE 802.15 Document 15-11-0749-00-0thz, Atlanta, November 2011, https://mentor.ieee.org/802.15/dcn/11/15-11-0749-00-0thz-scenarios-for-the-application-of-thz-communications.pdf

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institut für Nachrichtentechnik, THz Communications Lab, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Schleinitzstr. 22, 38092, Braunschweig, Germany

    Thomas Kürner & Sebastian Priebe

Authors
  1. Thomas Kürner
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Sebastian Priebe
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Thomas Kürner.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Kürner, T., Priebe, S. Towards THz Communications - Status in Research, Standardization and Regulation. J Infrared Milli Terahz Waves 35, 53–62 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10762-013-0014-3

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10762-013-0014-3

Keywords

Search

Navigation