Photonics-Inspired Terahertz Communication and Sensing
Terahertz (THz) frequencies, broadly spanning the spectral region between microwaves and infrared radiation, have emerged as a compelling enabler for next generation communication and sensing technologies. The abundant bandwidth available in the THz spectrum enables ultra-fast data transmission with unprecedented peak data rates, positioning THz communications as a key candidate for future networks. At the same time, the short wavelengths at THz frequencies offer inherently high spatial resolution and sensitivity to fine material features, making this spectrum uniquely suited for high resolution sensing, imaging, and spectroscopy. These complementary strengths have driven growing interest in integrated sensing and communication, a paradigm in which sensing and communication functions coexist and operate within a unified system, sharing spectrum, hardware and signal processing resources.
In this special topic, we are particularly interested in highlighting photonics assisted THz communication and sensing technologies, where photonic techniques provide powerful solutions for signal generation, modulation, distribution and processing, enabling scalable, high performance THz systems and facilitating communication and sensing functionalities.
Topics covered include, but are not limited to:
- Photonic generation, detection, and devices for THz systems
- Programmable and reconfigurable photonic-integrated THz platforms
- Signal processing and waveform design for THz communications
- THz integrated sensing and communications (ISAC)
- Physics-informed and inverse design of photonic THz systems
- AI-assisted THz communication devices and systems
- Terahertz-over-fibre systems and networks
- Secure and quantum-enabled THz communications
- Novel THz sources and communications in unexplored spectral regions, e.g. links using QCLs
- Emerging and visionary topics in photonic THz communications
Guest Editors
Haisu Li (Beijing Jiaotong University)
James Seddon (University College London)
Yasaman Ghasempour (Princeton University)