the proliferation of wireless devices and the increased demand from users for more and quicker data, has led to a logjam in the radio wave portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. researchers at the university of buffalo have used graphene to help solve this problem by creating very small radios that allow for short-range, high-speed communications on the previously inaccessible terahertz band.
research at the university of buffalo may open up the terahertz band. (wikimedia commons)
through a three-year grant from the u.s. air force office of scientific research, engineers built on existing research that proved antennas composed of nanoscale strips of graphene and semiconducting materials such as indium gallium arsenide could transmit and receive waves on the terahertz band and at speeds greater than one terabit per second.
according to a report from the university of buffalo, researchers have focused on connecting tiny graphene radios that could connect those waves over greater distances. current research demonstrated that signals transmitted on the terahertz band lose power over long distances and to utilize the antennas, there would need to be other nanoscale electronic components to take advantage of those properties.
using graphene, a 2-d material, the researchers were able to create the necessary components.
the report stated, “the nanosenors could be embedded into physical objects, such as walls and street signs, as well as chips and other electronic components, to create an internet of nano-things.”
these radios could lead to enhancements in the transmittal of information, for instance migrating files from one computer to another or providing high-definition streaming from sensors in public locations. there could even be sensors on patients in hospitals that would quickly monitor and report on conditions.
to read a full report on the research, click http://www.buffalo.edu/news/releases/2016/11/002.html.
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