Graphene amplifier opens up the prospect of using previously inaccessible frequencies

A scientific group working at the Loughborough Institute has created a unique device that is capable of amplifying earlier elusive terahertz waves are a graphene amplifier, and this, in turn, opens the way to new revolutionary technologies.

What are terahertz waves

Terahertz waves are located between infrared and microwave radiation in the spectrum of light frequency, but due to extremely low energy, scientists have not yet been able to use their potential.

This phenomenon is commonly known as "Terahertz Gap".

The ability to register, and even more so to amplify THz waves, would open up new possibilities in medicine, communications, the space industry, etc. But perhaps the most important application of such waves was the ability to replace X-ray machines with absolutely safe terahertz ones.

But before the invention of the graphene amplifier, wavelengths from 3 mm to 30 μm it was impossible to use, as there was an extremely weak signal from all existing sources.

Creation of a new graphene amplifier (transistor)

The research team managed to create a new type of optical transistor that functions as a THz amplifier, thanks to the use of graphene and a high-temperature superconductor.

The principle of operation of the device is based on the properties of graphene, which is completely transparent and insensitive to light, and its electrons have no mass. So the amplifier is made of two graphene layers and one superconductor layer.

It is there that graphene's massless electrons are captured, in the so-called "sandwich". And this whole structure is connected to a power source

So, when terahertz radiation hits the outer transparent graphene layer, then inside the THz transistor photons are converted into massless electrons, which are then transformed back into Tz radiation, but due to an external power source, much more intense.

Thus, there is a reflection of the amplified signal that came to the amplifier from the outside.

That is, the device reflects a more powerful beam of light compared to the incoming one.

So, according to Professor Kusmartsev, engineers are in full swing working on the development of the device and, probably, prototypes will be ready for full testing within a year.

Prospects for a new amplifier

In fact, a new device (if it comes to full commercial use) opens up the widest possibilities, because our world is literally overflowing with THz radiation.

All living organisms not only absorb, but also emit light in the terahertz range. That is, by studying this spectrum, one can understand many biochemical processes in the process of work, for example, of the brain.

The active use of terahertz radiation will bring such areas as imaging, tomography, and honey to a completely new level. diagnostics, environmental control, and bio-identification.

This unique discovery was published in Physical Review Letters.

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