Dynamic Beamforming Algorithms for Ultra-directional Terahertz Communication Systems Based on Graphene-based Plasmonic Nano-antenna Arrays

Abstract

Terahertz-band (0.1 to 10 THz) communication is envisioned as a key wireless technology to satisfy the need for much higher wireless data rates. The use of nanomaterials such as graphene is enabling the development of miniature plasmonic devices, which intrinsically operate in the THz band. In this paper, a new antenna array architecture that leverages the properties of graphene-based plasmonic devices is presented. In the proposed architecture, each element is integrated by a THz plasmonic signal source, a THz plasmonic direct signal modulator, and a THz plasmonic nano-antenna. The very small size of the resulting frontend allows its integration in very dense arrays, which are needed to overcome the very high path-loss at THz frequencies. Moreover, new beamforming strategies at the single element level and at the integrated array level are possible. The performance of the resulting beamforming antenna arrays are derived and numerically investigated by means of electromagnetic simulations.