60 Gbps real-time wireless communications at 300 GHz carrier using a Kerr microcomb-based source

Future wireless communication infrastructure will rely on terahertz systems that can support an increasing demand for large-bandwidth, ultra-fast wireless data transfer. In order to satisfy this demand, compact, low-power, and low noise sources of terahertz radiation are being developed. A promising route to achieving this goal is combining photonic-integrated optical frequency combs with fast photodiodes for difference frequency generation in the THz. Here, we demonstrate wireless communications using a 300 GHz carrier wave generated via photomixing of two optical tones originating from diode lasers that are injection locked to a dissipative Kerr soliton frequency microcomb. We achieve transfer rates of 80 Gbps using homodyne detection and 60 Gbps transmitting simultaneously both data and clock signals in a dual-path wireless link. This experimental demonstration paves a path toward low-noise and integrated photonic millimeter-wave transceivers for future wireless communication systems.

Automated summary

Future wireless communication infrastructure will depend on terahertz systems to meet the increasing demand for high-bandwidth, ultra-fast wireless data transfer. To achieve this, compact, low-power, and low noise terahertz radiation sources are being developed. One promising approach is combining photonic-integrated optical frequency combs with fast photodiodes for difference frequency generation in the THz. In this experiment, wireless communication was demonstrated using a 300 GHz carrier wave generated by photomixing of two optical tones from diode lasers injection locked to a dissipative Kerr soliton frequency microcomb. Transfer rates of 80 Gbps were achieved using homodyne detection, and 60 Gbps were transmitted simultaneously for both data and clock signals in a dual-path wireless link. This experimental demonstration paves the way for low-noise and integrated photonic millimeter-wave transceivers for future wireless communication systems.