What’s happening?
Researchers at Adelaide University are advancing terahertz technology with a focus on how it could be used in future 6G wireless systems.
The Terahertz Engineering Laboratory is working with the Australian National Fabrication Facility SA to design and build new devices that operate using terahertz waves.
These waves sit between microwaves and infrared light in the electromagnetic spectrum and have become accessible through recent advances in engineering and manufacturing.
The research is moving beyond theory, with devices being developed for practical communication and sensing uses.
Why it matters
Terahertz devices are expected to play a dual role in future networks, supporting both ultra-fast wireless communication and advanced sensing.
TEL Group Leader Professor Withawat Withayachumnankul said the research covers a wide range of possible uses.
“On the sensing front, we’re looking at safe, see-through scanners for security inspection, manufacturing quality control and agricultural monitoring,” he said.
“Terahertz frequencies also hold key molecular signatures that are vital for radio astronomy.”
Researchers say these capabilities could extend the role of future wireless systems well beyond data transfer alone.
Local impact
The work strengthens South Australia’s role in applied research and specialist fabrication.
Development of the devices is supported by advanced facilities at Mawson Lakes, bringing research design and fabrication together in one location.
This approach supports local expertise in microfabrication and emerging wireless technologies.
By the numbers
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Terahertz devices are being developed to support wireless data rates above one terabit per second.
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Fabrication is supported by facilities valued at around $30 million at ANFF-SA.
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Micron-scale manufacturing is required to achieve the performance needed for sensing and communication.
Zoom in
The collaboration allows designs to be refined early, helping improve reliability during fabrication.
“ANFF-SA’s fabrication expertise is critical to the success of our projects,” Professor Withayachumnankul said.
Early input from fabrication specialists helps ensure devices can be built accurately and perform as intended.
Zoom out
ANFF-SA Microfabrication Team Lead Dr Jing-Ho Pai said the partnership shows how research and fabrication work together.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see ambitious concepts come to life,” he said.
What to look for next?
The hardware being developed is expected to support the rollout of future 6G networks.
“With their vast bandwidth, sensing capabilities and ultra-low latency, terahertz waves are set to become a cornerstone of future telecommunications.”
