The Terahertz and Hybrid Semiconductor Chips Competence Center has launched to encourage international cooperation is creating the next generation of communication systems
Co-developed by Vilnius University and the Physical and Technological Sciences Center (FTMC), the Competence Center will develop new semiconductor chips, materials, and components for a 6G communication network.
Terahertz frequency technologies is currently one of the more promising technologies for creating such a network, due to its ability to transmit large amounts of data.
New technology needed to support terahertz frequencies
New semiconductors, integrated circuits, and advanced technological solutions are needed to ensure that a terahertz system can be utilised to its full potential, meaning that the new centre will need to focus on carious different scientific fields, including materials research, ultrafast process modelling, photonic chips, terahertz signa management, and integrated communication systems.
As such, five research groups will be established within the centre, with activities covering the 100-349 GHz frequency range. These groups will each develop a separate technological direction, with the results combining into a common terahertz communication technology platform.
The five groups and their focuses are:
- Led by VU Prof. Dr. Alvydas Lisauskas – Development of terahertz integrated, detectors, mixers, frequency multiplication, and receiver circuits, as well as connecting chips manufactured by different technologies into a common system allowing for high-speed communication in lab conditions.
- Led by Dr. Sergey Orlov – FTMC researchers will investigate applying structured terahertz light to 6G communications, such as through active metasurfaces allowing the control of electromagnetic waves and forming beams with specific properties. This will demonstrate that a terahertz line can be more than 100 metres.
- Led by Dr. Armandas Balčytis – More FTMC researchers will look at developing photonic waveguide technologies for terahertz and optical communication conversion. Photonic chips will be created that allow for fibre-optic and terahertz communications and creating conditions for efficient data transmission.
- Led by VU Dr. Agnė Žukauskaitė – This group will develop a gallium nitride (GaN) based terahertz technology platform via advanced semiconductor nanostructures and transistors for the generation, detection, and modulation of terahertz waves.
- Led by VU Dr. Patrik Ščajev – The final group will focus on modelling charge transport and ultrafast processes in semiconductor materials to better understand the properties of materials and to develop more efficient terahertz signal detectors, and other components.
Funded by the European Union
The European Union is providing funding for this centre as part of the “Establishment of International Centers of Excellence” (No. 10-030-P-0001) project, working with the Research Council of Lithuania.
Furthermore, in the development of a 6G communications system, the EU has allocated €630m in public funding via Horizon Europe, €116m of which has gone to the European Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking.
This covers 100 6G research projects intended to support Europe’s ambition to shape global 6G standards and deliver benefits for citizens, businesses, and public services.
Renate Nikolay, Deputy Director General DG CONNECT, stated: “6G will be a key enabler of Europe’s technological sovereignty, strengthening strategic autonomy in critical digital infrastructures.
“By embedding cybersecurity, privacy-by-design principles and resilience at its core, 6G aims to become a trusted, human-centric technology that promotes digital inclusion and ensures that connectivity benefits all citizens and regions.”
Read more about the funding here.
