Terahertz Channel Characterization using a Silicon-based Picosecond Pulse Source

Abstract

In this work, a long-path Terahertz (THz) communication channel is characterized between 0.32-1.1 THz using a custom-designed silicon-based THz pulse radiator chip. Our chip generates and radiates 1.9 ps pulses with an on-chip antenna at a repetition rate of 5.2 GHz, resulting in a broadband 0.1-1.1 THz frequency comb. A specular non-lineof-sight link was created using the impulse radiator, parabolic reflector antennas, a plane mirror, and a downconverting mixer. The THz channel was characterized up to a distance of 113 m. The measurement results demonstrate channel path loss, atmospheric absorption, and low-loss frequency windows suitable for wireless links in this range. To the best of authors’ knowledge, this is the first time a custom lowpower silicon-based radiator has been used as the source in channel characterization at THz frequencies.