D-band MUTC Photodiode Module for Ultra-Wideband 160 Gbps Photonics-Assisted Fiber-THz Integrated Communication System

TL;DR

This paper introduces a high-power, ultra-flat frequency response MUTC photodiode module optimized for D-band THz communications, enabling data rates up to 160 Gbps in fiber-THz integrated systems.

Contribution

The work presents a novel MUTC photodiode module with optimized structure and packaging, achieving high output power and flat broadband response for ultra-high-speed THz wireless communication.

Findings

Achieved -0.96 dBm output power at 150 GHz

Demonstrated 160 Gbps data transmission with 16-QAM

Maintained minimal power roll-off over 110-170 GHz

Abstract

Current wireless communication systems are increasingly constrained by insufficient bandwidth and limited power output, impeding the achievement of ultra-high-speed data transmission. The terahertz (THz) range offers greater bandwidth, but it also imposes higher requirements on broadband and high-power devices. In this work, we present a modified uni-traveling-carrier photodiode (MUTC-PD) module with WR-6 waveguide output for photonics-assisted fiber-THz integrated wireless communications. Through the optimization of the epitaxial structure and high-impedance coplanar waveguide (CPW), the fabricated 6-um-diameter MUTC-PD achieves a high output power of -0.96 dBm at 150 GHz and ultra-flat frequency response at D-band. The MUTC-PD is subsequently packaged into a compact WR-6 module, incorporating planar-circuit-based RF-choke, DC-block and probe. The packaged PD module demonstrates high saturation power and flat frequency responses with minimal power roll-off of only 2 dB over 110-170 GHz. By incorporating the PD module into a fiber-THz integrated communication system, high data rates of up to 160 Gbps with 16 quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) and a maximum symbol transmission rate of 60 Gbaud with QPSK modulation are successfully secured. The demonstration verifies the potential of the PD module for ultra-broadband and ultra-high-speed THz communications, setting a foundation for future research in high-speed data transmission.