Researchers from the University of Ottawa have developed a technique to enhance terahertz (THz) frequency conversion in graphene-based structures. These advances lead to potential applications in faster and more efficient wireless communications and signal processing. The research was published in the journal Light: Science & Applications .
THz waves, which are in the far-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum, are used in quality control and security applications, including non-invasive imaging through opaque materials.
THz waves may also have applications in wireless communications. Advances in THz nonlinear optics, which allow for the modification of electromagnetic wave frequencies, are essential for the development of high-speed wireless communication systems and signal processing for 6G technology and beyond.
Due to its relevance to communications, security, healthcare and quality control, THz technology is advancing rapidly. To bridge the gap between GHz electronics and THz photonics, Jean-Michel Ménard, an associate professor of physics at the University of Ottawa, and his research group have developed a way to convert electromagnetic signals to higher vibrational frequencies.
This work presents a novel technique to enhance THz nonlinearity in graphene-based devices.
This research represents a major step forward towards improving the efficiency of THz inverters, a key aspect for multispectral THz applications, particularly the future of communication systems such as 6G .
Jean-Michel Menard, Associate Professor, University of Ottawa
Menard worked on the project in collaboration with researchers Ali Maleki and Robert W. Boyd of the University of Ottawa, Moritz B. Heindl and Georg Herink of the University of Bayreuth in Germany, and Iridian Spectral Technologies.
In this work, we exploit the potential of graphene as a quantum material consisting of a single layer of carbon atoms and investigate its unique optical properties. This 2D material can be easily integrated into devices, enabling new applications in communications and signal processing.
Previous studies combining THz light with graphene have focused primarily on fundamental interactions between light and matter, and have often investigated the effects of a single experimental parameter, which often results in weak nonlinear effects.
To address this limitation, Ménard and his colleagues used advanced techniques to enhance nonlinear effects and optimize graphene’s unique properties to improve performance for THz applications.
“Our new experimental platform and device architecture provides the ability to explore a wide range of materials beyond graphene, with the potential to identify new nonlinear optical mechanisms . Such research and development is critical to refine THz frequency conversion technology and ultimately integrate this technology into real-world applications, particularly for creating efficient chip-integrated nonlinear THz signal converters that will drive future communications systems.”
Dr. Ali Maleki, Department of Physics, University of Ottawa
Maleki is the person who collects and analyzes the research results.
Journal References:
Maleki, A., et al . (2025) Strategies for enhanced THz harmonic generation incorporating multilayer, gated, and metamaterial-based architectures. Photonics Science and Applications . doi.org/10.1038/s41377-024-01657-1.
