The ongoing development of 6G technology aims to enhance the performance of the already deployed 5G communication networks. By employing the millimeter wave and terahertz frequency bands, 6G networks are poised to transmit greater amounts of data at faster speeds. However, the utilization of an expansive frequency spectrum and increased data rates could potentially result in interference among various communication channels.
To solve this issue, the research team has been striving to create a filter that safeguards signal receivers from diverse types of interference spanning the entire radio frequency spectrum. In order to make it suitable for extensive deployment, it should be compact, energy-efficient, possess multiple filtering capabilities, and be incorporated on a chip while also being cost-effective. Nevertheless, earlier efforts have been constrained by limited functions, bulky size, narrow bandwidth, or the necessity of specific electrical components.
The team says that their novel filter boasts compact size, affordability, low power consumption, and the ability to perform various filtering functions. This makes it possible for the filter to be seamlessly integrated into a computer chip. The filter is composed of four primary components:
To evaluate the device, the scientists used high-frequency probes to introduce a radio frequency signal into the chip and captured the resultant signal using a high-speed photodetector. To mimic the production of 2Gb/s high-speed wireless transmission signals, they utilized an arbitrary waveform generator, directional antennas, and a high-speed oscilloscope to capture the processed signal. The researchers demonstrated the filter's effectiveness by contrasting the outcomes with and without the filter.
The study authors compared the results obtained with and without the filter to evaluate the efficacy of the new device. Overall, the findings indicate that the simplified photonic structure delivers similar results to previous programmable integrated microwave photonic filters comprising multiple repeating units, but with lower loss and system complexity. This enhances its durability, energy efficiency, and manufacturing convenience compared to previous devices.
The team’s next objective is to boost the modulator's efficiency and optimize the filter architecture, resulting in a high dynamic range, low noise, and seamless integration across both device and system levels.
