Free-Space Optical Communications using Terahertz Lasers at Gbit/s Data Rates

Elumalai, J., Salih, M., Fice, M. et al. (7 more authors) (2025) Free-Space Optical Communications using Terahertz Lasers at Gbit/s Data Rates. In: Proceedings of 2025 Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics Europe & European Quantum Electronics Conference (CLEO/Europe-EQEC). 2025 Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics Europe & European Quantum Electronics Conference (CLEO/Europe-EQEC), 23-27 Jun 2025, Munich, Germany. . Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). ISBN: 979-8-3315-1252-1. ISSN: 2833-1052. EISSN: 2833-1052.

Abstract

High-speed free-space optical (FSO) communication in the terahertz (THz) spectrum is gaining attention as a solution to the rising demand for wireless data. THz frequencies (0.1-10 THz) offer ample bandwidth and can deliver fiber-equivalent data rates wirelessly, making them suitable for beyond-5G backhaul [1]. Terahertz quantum cascade lasers (THz QCLs) offer multi-gigabit modulation speed in FSO links. The THz FSO communication systems >1 THz remain largely unexplored due to limitations in source and photodetector limitations. However, significant progress in sources, modulators, and receivers has improved output power, bandwidth, and sensitivity. [2]. A THz QCL link at 20 Mbit/s was demonstrated [3], and a recent link achieved 1 Mbit/s with a room-temperature graphene receiver [4]. However, achieving higher data rates in a THz FSO communication link remains a significant goal.

Metadata

Item Type:	Proceedings Paper
Authors/Creators:	Elumalai, J. Salih, M. Fice, M. Brown, A. Li, L. Linfield, E.H. Valavanis, A. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5565-0463 Seeds, A.J. Davies, A.G. Freeman, J.R.
Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information:	© 2025 IEEE. Personal use of this material is permitted. Permission from IEEE must be obtained for all other uses, in any current or future media, including reprinting/republishing this material for advertising or promotional purposes, creating new collective works, for resale or redistribution to servers or lists, or reuse of any copyrighted component of this work in other works.
Keywords:	Wireless communication, Wireless sensor networks, Free-space optical communication, Sensitivity, Receivers, Bandwidth, Photodetectors, Quantum cascade lasers, Power generation, Terahertz communications
Dates:	Published (online): 15 August 2025 Published: 15 August 2025
Institution:	The University of Leeds
Academic Units:	The University of Leeds > Faculty of Engineering & Physical Sciences (Leeds) > School of Electronic & Electrical Engineering (Leeds)
Funding Information:	Funder Grant number MRC (Medical Research Council) MR/Y011775/1 MRC (Medical Research Council) MR/S016929/1. EPSRC Accounts Payable EP/W028921/1
Date Deposited:	03 Sep 2025 10:23
Last Modified:	09 Apr 2026 08:15
Status:	Published
Publisher:	Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Identification Number:	10.1109/cleo/europe-eqec65582.2025.11109841
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID):	oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:231101

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Free-Space Optical Communications using Terahertz Lasers at Gbit/s Data Rates

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