ROHM Semiconductor has started offering the samples of the world’s smallest terahertz (THz) wave oscillation and detection devices. Utilizing Resonant Tunneling Diodes (RTDs), these compact devices deliver groundbreaking performance at a fraction of the cost and size of conventional technologies, marking a milestone in terahertz wave applications for industries ranging from healthcare to communications.
Miniaturized Innovation for Versatile Applications
The newly developed RTD chip measures just 0.5mm × 0.5 mm and can oscillate and detect terahertz waves at a frequency of 320GHz, with an output power of 10 to 20µW. ROHM offers this device in a compact PLCC package (4.0mm × 4.3mm), commonly used for LEDs. This is a significant achievement, reducing device size to one-thousandth that of traditional oscillators, enabling its use even in space-constrained environments.
With a dynamic range of 40 dB and power consumption as low as 10mW, these devices operate efficiently at room temperature, eliminating the need for expensive cooling systems. This compact and cost-effective solution is expected to accelerate advancements in non-destructive testing, imaging, and ultra-fast communication technologies.
Cost-Effective and Accessible
ROHM has further reduced barriers to entry by offering these devices at less than one-tenth the price of conventional alternatives. For seamless integration into research and development projects, the company also provides evaluation kits, which include evaluation boards and components. These kits are designed for easy setup and operation, making them ideal for private companies and research institutions exploring terahertz wave technology.
Professor Safumi Suzuki, a leading expert in terahertz wave research, praised ROHM’s development: “The RTD terahertz wave device is a game-changer, offering ultra-small size, low power consumption, and unprecedented affordability. We expect this innovation to catalyze new research and applications in imaging, sensing, and communication fields.”
ROHM’s commitment to terahertz technology spans over 15 years, with extensive collaboration among industry, academia, and government. The company has worked with institutions such as the Institute of Science Tokyo and Osaka University, as well as participating in consortia sponsored by Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. These partnerships have culminated in the development of a robust and scalable RTD solution.
Ken Nakahara, General Manager of ROHM’s Research & Development Center, emphasized the importance of this achievement: “This marks a giant leap in making terahertz technology accessible. While it’s just the beginning, we’re confident that these devices will contribute significantly to societal advancement.”
Terahertz waves occupy a unique frequency range between radio waves and light, offering excellent permeability, high resolution, and safety. They hold immense potential for applications such as:
- Non-destructive testing in industries and healthcare
- Medical imaging without harmful radiation
- 6G communication technologies
- High-resolution radar sensing
ROHM’s miniaturized RTD devices and evaluation kits enable the creation of compact research environments, even on a desktop. Combined with accessible tools like Analog Discovery 3™, researchers can easily begin experimenting with terahertz technology.
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