Minimum terahertz wave oscillation and detection device

     Rohm provided samples of the industry's smallest terahertz (THz) wave oscillation and detection devices, which use semiconductor components called resonant tunneling diodes (RTDS). Terahertz waves are expected to be used in non-destructive testing, imaging and sensing in healthcare, and possibly in future ultra-high-speed communication technologies. The availability of these devices contributes to the advancement of terahertz wave applications.

     The company has developed a 0.5mm × 0.5mm terahertz wave generation and detection RTD chip that is capable of oscillating and detecting terahertz waves with a frequency of 320GHz (type) and an output power range of 10µW to 20µW. Rohm will begin offering samples of this RTD element, which is housed in a PLCC package (4mm × 4.3mm) and is commonly used for leds. Due to the very compact size, often one-thousandth the size of conventional oscillators, this innovation makes it easy to develop terahertz wave applications, even in space-constrained environments.

     A dynamic range of 40dB (type) can be achieved by placing the antenna surfaces of the oscillating device and the detecting device 10mm relative to each other. The drive power consumption of the oscillator and detector remains at 10mW (type), while their ability to oscillate and detect terahertz waves at room temperature eliminates the need for cooling equipment required by some traditional methods. These small, energy-efficient devices are virtually unaffected by the operating environment, allowing for use in a variety of applications.

     The company offers terahertz wave oscillating samples and inspection equipment for less than one-tenth the price of conventional equipment. It also offers evaluation kits with evaluation boards and other components, allowing users to easily integrate devices into research and development environments. The sale of sample products and evaluation kits requires the prior signing of a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) with Rohm.

     Professor Safumi Suzuki, of the Future Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Research Laboratory at the Institute of General Studies, Tokyo Institute of Science, said: "Terahertz waves are expected to be applied in various fields such as imaging, sensing and wireless communication due to their excellent properties and high safety. However, commercialized research and development has traditionally required large equipment and significant costs. In this case, the RTD terahertz wave device, developed through years of research in collaboration with Rohm, is an ultra-small 4mm × 4.3mm device that challenges traditional specifications while having surprisingly low power consumption and implementation costs. With the launch of device samples, we expect that many private companies and research institutions will begin to explore the study of terahertz waves. We hope that the use of terahertz waves in various fields will lead to the creation of new applications with capabilities that were previously difficult to achieve. Going forward, we will continue to contribute to society through the development of terahertz wave devices in cooperation with Rohm."

     Ken Nakahara, General Manager of ROHM's R&D Center, said: "The THZ R&D team and I are very excited and proud that we have reached a point where we can bring this technology to market. We have been working on terahertz devices for 15 years; The journey has not been easy. In doing so, we brought together the forces of industry, academia and government and succeeded in establishing Rohm as it is today. The team understands that this is just a small step to commercializing the terahertz technology, but at the same time, it's a giant leap for us. We are confident that this small beginning will grow and contribute to the well-being of our society."