Nano antennas create perspective for terabit networks

A research team at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in Germany has developed antennas for multi-terahertz frequencies, which could form a cornerstone of extremely powerful future data networks.

Using electron beam lithography tools, a research group led by Hans-Jürgen Eisler fabricated arrays of antennas made from gold on a glass substrate. With dimensions of 70 to 250 nanometres, they form half-lambda resonator elements for a broad range of electromagnetic signals at light wavelengths.

The wavelengths the antennas are designed to correspond to frequencies of 500,000 GHz and above. Of course, no semiconductor elements are available to drive these antennas, so they are excited using white light. Each antenna in the array resonates at its characteristic frequency (light wavelength), yielding a multifrequency broadband array for data transmission with data rates 10,000 times higher than existing wireless broadband technologies, according to the researchers. The light beams are modulated by utilising the superposition principle.

According to Eisler, another way to get around the lack of suitable electronic devices to drive the antennas would be to develop nano switching elements that make use of quantum technology. Although quantum computers are in the very early stage of development, Eisler believes that the optical antennas could be used for industrial purposes within five to ten years.