Terahertz Engineering Laboratory
Terahertz spectrum
The terahertz spectrum is loosely defined between 0.1 and 10 THz, or between the microwave and infrared regions. This spectral band is in the last underutilised part of the electromagnetic spectrum for sensing, imaging and communications purposes. The terahertz waves are capable of penetrating dry, nonmetallic materials with sub-millimetre spatial and depth resolutions. This property makes it ideal for noncontact security screening of humans and objects and non-destructive evaluation of a variety of materials. The generous bandwidth is promising for high-speed line-of-sight wireless communications.
Laboratory capabilities
The Terahertz Engineering Laboratory is a research group associated with the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Adelaide. The Laboratory has been established in 2018 under the Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities (LIEF) grant LE180100003 with co-contributions from The University of Adelaide, RMIT University, University of Wollongong, and The University of Sydney. The Terahertz Engineering Laboratory hosts a wide range of terahertz electronics-based components and systems. Being successors to bulky optical-based systems, these components and systems are modular, highly customisable, and are direct precursors to future terahertz integrated systems. So far, the Laboratory has received ARC Discovery Projects grants DP170101922, DP180103561, and DP220100489 to reinforce activities in standoff sensing, integrated platforms, and 6G communications & beyond.
Looking forward
Our activities span both strategic basic research and applied research. We emphasise engineering aspects of terahertz technology towards practicalities. Research challenges are informed by practical requirements and current restrictions. Being at the crossroad between the microwave and optics worlds, we consolidate and expand techniques from both domains for potential solutions. The laboratory is set to cover activities in unconventional devices, 6G communications, short-range radar, and non-destructive evaluation.
Patrons
We would like to acknowledge these agencies for their financial and in-kind support at some points in time since the inception of our laboratory in 2018. Please note that the opinions expressed in our research are solely those of our group and do not reflect the views of our sponsors.
