Putting the pieces together for next-generation, real-world terahertz applications

The value of terahertz applications has long been recognized, even if the technology required to support them always seems one step away.  However, the challenging goals of next-generation wireless communications (6G) and sensing, such as data rate (1 Tbps), low latency (0.1 ms), and massive spectrum co-utilization, introduce a turning point where terahertz systems and devices critically need to coincide with real-world deployment and demonstrations.  Such new systems and devices will enable a variety of impactful progressions, including validations of channel models, waveform design and testing, and control over beam steering and shaping.  In this talk, I will present some of our past and present experimental terahertz research that has renewed excitement in the prospect of real-world terahertz applications and demonstrations. I will emphasize the topics of metamaterials and wireless communication, in part because these are active subjects of OSU research, particularly in the areas of terahertz wireless channel measurements and manipulation.  But these are also becoming strong drivers that could finally push terahertz significantly out of the realm of research and into everyday application.