U of Manchester team develops graphene-based programmable surfaces that could advance terahertz imaging and 6G communications
Researchers at The University of Manchester’s National Graphene Institute have introduced a new class of reconfigurable intelligent surfaces capable of dynamically shaping terahertz (THz) and millimeter (mm) waves. This development overcomes long-standing technological barriers and could pave the way for next-generation 6G wireless technologies and non-invasive imaging systems.
a) Schematic of the pixel structure, comprising laminated layers including a graphene top electrode, an electrolyte layer, and a back pixel electrode. b) Photograph of the fabricated device consisting of an active-matrix array of 640 × 480 pixels. A binary voltage pattern (VDH, VDL) is produced by a chip-on-glass display driver controlled by an external microcontroller. Image from: Nature Communications
The breakthrough centers around an active spatial light modulator, a surface with more than 300,000 sub-wavelength pixels capable of manipulating THz light in both transmission and reflection. Unlike previous modulators, which were limited to small-scale demonstrations, the Manchester team integrated graphene-based THz modulators with large-area thin-film transistor (TFT) arrays, enabling high-speed, programmable control over the amplitude and phase of THz light across expansive areas.
Source: https://www.graphene-info.com/u-manchester-team-develops-graphene-based-programmable-surfaces-could-advance
