What’s happening?
Researchers at Adelaide University are building the technical capability needed for future 6G wireless systems by developing devices that operate in the terahertz range.
The work is being led by the Terahertz Engineering Laboratory in partnership with the Australian National Fabrication Facility SA at Mawson Lakes.
Together, the teams are designing and building hardware that uses terahertz waves, a part of the electromagnetic spectrum that sits between microwaves and infrared light and has only recently become accessible.
The focus is on developing functional devices that can support the performance demands expected of future wireless networks.
Why it matters
6G is expected to rely on terahertz frequencies to deliver far higher speeds and new capabilities than existing networks.
Researchers say developing hardware now is essential to prepare for that shift.
TEL Group Leader Professor Withawat Withayachumnankul said the research looks at both communication speed and sensing capability.
“We’re exploring devices that could enable wireless data rates above one terabit per second across several kilometres,” he said.
“On the sensing front, we’re looking at safe, see-through scanners for security inspection, manufacturing quality control and agricultural monitoring.”
He also noted that terahertz frequencies carry molecular signatures important for scientific use.
“Terahertz frequencies also hold key molecular signatures that are vital for radio astronomy.”
Local impact
The research is anchored in South Australia, with development supported by specialist fabrication facilities at Mawson Lakes.
University researchers lead the design and testing of devices, while fabrication is carried out with support from ANFF-SA.
This approach strengthens local capability in advanced wireless research and precision fabrication.
By the numbers
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Researchers are developing terahertz devices capable of supporting data rates above one terabit per second.
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Fabrication is supported by ANFF-SA facilities valued at about $30 million.
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Device components are manufactured with features just a few microns wide to meet performance requirements.
Zoom in
The devices rely on exact fabrication techniques to function at terahertz frequencies.
Processes such as photolithography and deep reactive ion etching are used to produce silicon components and antennas with micron-scale detail.
These methods allow for structures such as through-silicon vias, which are used in sensing and communication devices.
Zoom out
ANFF-SA Microfabrication Team Lead Dr Jing-Ho Pai said the work reflects the importance of precision at this scale.
“These silicon components are extremely precise, often perforated with patterns just a few microns wide,” he said.
“This level of detail is vital for achieving the performance required for next-generation communication systems.”
What to look for next?
The hardware being developed is expected to form part of the foundational technology for 6G networks.
A media release said the work underway at Adelaide University will help unlock wireless speeds far beyond what is possible today.
“With their vast bandwidth, sensing capabilities and ultra-low latency, terahertz waves are set to become a cornerstone of future telecommunications.”
