Magic chip: MIT’s new system for terahertz waves could enable efficient electronics
Terahertz waves can revolutionize the internet, healthcare, and airport security. Here’s how a tiny chip can finally allow us to use them
Humans have figured out many ways to utilize radio waves, X-rays, microwaves, infrared light, and many other types of electromagnetic radiation. However, terahertz waves remain an unsolved puzzle.
Scientists have known about terahertz waves for years. Their unique properties suggest that these waves could enable high-bandwidth communication, ultra-fast data transfer, advanced medical imaging, and precise environmental monitoring.
Additionally, their ability to penetrate various materials without harmful radiation makes them valuable for security screening, quality control in industries, and chemical sensing. However, until now, it has been challenging to harness the potential of these waves in electronic devices due to several technological limitations.
Finally, a new study from researchers at MIT reveals a chip-based solution that can overcome these limitations and make terahertz waves more accessible than ever.
What stops us from using terahertz waves?
Terahertz (THz) waves are affected by the dielectric constant, a measure of how well a material can store and slow down an electric field. The lower this constant is the smoother terahertz waves can pass through a material.