University of Utah engineers have discovered a new approach for designing filters capable of separating different frequencies in the terahertz spectrum. According to the team, the filter – which can be produced using an ink jet printer – could allow mobile phone users and Internet surfers to download data 1000 times faster than today.
Professor Ajay Nahata and graduate student Andrew Paulsen discovered that, by creating certain computer generated designs using MATLAB and ink jet printing them using a silver metal ink on a plastic sheet, they could create a filter that allows certain terahertz frequencies to pass through while blocking others. The dimensions and geometry of the printed design determines which frequencies can pass.
The researchers say their development is an important step in exploiting the terahertz spectrum commercially. If mobile phones on a 4G network can download data at 10 to 15Mbit/s, they believe terahertz technology can, potentially, send data back and forth at Tbit/s. Using filters in such a network will be vital, they say.
"Terahertz technology is something in which there is a lot of interest," said Prof Nahata. "I guarantee that people will come up with new ideas that can use all of that available bandwidth."
