Terahertz imaging for beam steering

• Main Author: Wong, Wei Min
• Other Authors: Ranjan Singh
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2023
• Subjects: Science::Physics::Optics and light
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/166415
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Since the introduction of 1G communication systems in the frequency bands between 824 and 894 MHz to 5G communication systems in the frequency bands between 3 and 300 GHz, the expansion into 5G technology has started in many countries due to technological advancement and the demand for faster and more reliable signals, data transmission, and communication systems (Goyal & Buttar, 2015). In recent years, the 6G communication system has been researched and developed across the world by different research institutes (Jiang et al., 2021). 6G system will involve the use of terahertz frequency band of 0.3 – 10 THz. Terahertz frequency band is known for its multiple advantages such as faster speed, higher bandwidth, and lower latency. However, it is also known for its low-range radiation in the air. In the communication system, Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) technology has been favoured for its capability to provide multiplexing and diversity gain which utilised multiple transmitter and detector antenna. In 2017, Tao and Feng (2017) developed a compact size MIMO antenna for frequency waveband from 3.1 – 10.6 GHz. To improve the efficiency and directivity of radiation of terahertz frequency band, beam steering is one of the favoured techniques to increase directivity and efficiency of terahertz in antenna. Metamaterial has been one of the most exciting materials used in the study of beam steering antenna. The experimental process of detecting beam steering signals through a metamaterial has been exhaustingly tedious as experiments are most often sensitive to alignment and terahertz wave is not visible to the naked eye. In this thesis, an automated stage system for 1D and 2D beam steering experiments was developed using a graphical programming instrument (LabVIEW) and a motorised stage system. The automated stage system was tested on a 1D transmission beam steering experiment, and a 2D reflective and transmission beam steering experiment. From the results of the three beam steering experiments, the automated stage system showed great potential in autonomous data acquisition, enabling a more precise autonomous stage motion coupled with various laser systems for data acquisition in scientific experiments and antenna characterisation in the upcoming 6G communication system.