Future 6G communication systems are expected to operate at terahertz frequencies (0.1–10 THz) to achieve ultra high data rates. A key challenge in these systems is how to efficiently guide signals through terahertz fibers and then transfer (or couple) the signal into other components such as antennas.
This project focuses on understanding and designing signal coupling between two adjacent dielectric terahertz fibers. The goal is to investigate how a signal can be transferred from one fiber to another with minimal loss, and how the second fiber can be structurally modified to make it easier to connect to downstream components, such as terahertz antennas. For example, the project may explore introducing a low loss outward bending section that enables practical device integration.
Students will learn how to:
- Design and simulate terahertz fiber structures using industry level software such as CST and COMSOL
- Study coupling efficiency and signal leakage between adjacent fibers
- Modify fiber geometries to improve integration with antennas
- Perform measurements using an advanced photonic based terahertz communication system
- Analyze communication performance metrics such as baseband signals and bit error rate (BER)
The outcomes of this study will contribute to the development of terahertz pinching antennas and integrated fiber fed devices, which are promising building blocks for next generation 6G wireless systems.
School
Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications
Research Area
Terahertz photonics and devices | Electromagnetic wave propagation | Dielectric fiber technologies | Terahertz communication systems
Suitable for recognition of Work Integrated Learning (industrial training)?
No
- Research environment
- Expected outcomes
- Supervisory team
- Reference material/links
The project will be conducted within the Terahertz Innovation Group in School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications, led by A/Prof Shaghik Atakaramians. The student will work closely with Dr Qigejian Alfred Wang and A/Prof Shaghik Atakaramians, also interact with PhD students and other researchers in a collaborative laboratory setting. The research environment combines numerical simulation software (CST, COMSOL), device fabrication facilities (3D printers), and photonic based terahertz communication system. The student will gain exposure to both simulation driven design and hands on testing using a state of the art photonic based terahertz communication platform.
By the end of the project, the student is expected to:
- Understand the principles of signal coupling between adjacent terahertz fibers
- Gain practical experience in electromagnetic simulation tools (CST and/or COMSOL)
- Evaluate coupling efficiency and crosstalk effects
- Perform basic communication measurements and BER analysis
- Present their findings in a report or presentation
Strong outcomes may contribute to ongoing research toward integrated terahertz fibre–antenna systems for 6G applications.
The project will be conducted within the Terahertz Innovation Group in School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications, led by A/Prof Shaghik Atakaramians. The student will work closely with Dr Qigejian Alfred Wang and A/Prof Shaghik Atakaramians, also interact with PhD students and other researchers in a collaborative laboratory setting.
- Li, H., Cao, Y., Skorobogatiy, M. and Atakaramians, S. (2025). Terahertz fiber devices. APL Photonics, 10(2).
- Ge, H., Li, H., Jie, L., Wang, J., Cao, Y., Atakaramians, S., Gong, Y., Ren, G. and Pei, L. (2024). 3D printed terahertz subwavelength dual core fibers with dense channel integration. Journal of Lightwave Technology, 43(5), 2329–2339.
- Puttnam, B.J., Luis, R.S., Eriksson, T.A., Klaus, W., Mendinueta, J.M.D., Awaji, Y. and Wada, N. (2016). Impact of intercore crosstalk on the transmission distance of QAM formats in multicore fibers. IEEE Photonics Journal, 8(2), 1–9.