Terahertz Metasurface Antenna for 6G Communications
Overview
With its novel 2D design and integration of terahertz waveguides, this high-gain metasurface antenna has broad applications in next-generation (6G) wireless communications, imaging and non-contact sensing.
Research completion
2022
Commercialisation opportunities
Technology licensing agreement
Problem addressed
At the dawn of the fifth generation (5G) wireless communications era, the ever-increasing demand for higher data transmission rates continues to drive carrier frequencies into the terahertz (THz) bands for improved channel capacities. However, the increased operating frequency imposes significant challenges in THz antenna design; it incurs high atmospheric absorption loss, significant metal and dielectric material losses, and limited fabrication tolerance. Moreover, conventional antenna design that alters current pathways on conducting surfaces cannot meet the new demands for beam management for next-generation wireless communications.
Innovation
- The THz metasurface antenna features the advantages of a simpler structure, high gain, high efficiency, and potential on-chip integration compared with other THz antennas, making it an appealing antenna solution for B5G and 6G communications.
- Traditional radio superheterodyne architecture is temporal, while the proposed superheterodyne-inspired antenna is modulated in the spatial domain by modulation of the local spatial frequency of the guided wave in a transmission line.
- The engineered metasurface can convert the in-plane guided mode to out-of-plane free-space mode for radiation.
Key impact
- Simple structure
- Lower loss
- Potential on-chip integration)
- High directivity
Award
- 48th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (IEIG) - Gold Medal
Application
- B5G and 6G wireless communications
- Noncontact sensing
- RFID system
- Wireless power transfer
Patent
- Patent Pending: 17/743,520 (USA) IDF 1156
City University of Hong Kong (CityU)
As one of the fastest growing universities in the world over the past decade, City University of Hong Kong (CityU) is recognised as a hub for innovation in research and professional education. CityU identifies solutions to critical global challenges by extending the frontiers of knowledge both within and beyond existing research paradigms.
The University’s highly qualified academics are drawn from all over the world, not only bringing a wealth of research and professional experience to the teaching programmes, but also contributing to the knowledge and technology advancement.
Enquiry
