Breakthroughs In Next-Generation Wireless Communication

ECE Professor and Associate Dean for Research Josep Jornet, in collaboration with Princeton University (lead), Florida International University, and New York University, was awarded a $1.2M NSF grant for “Resilient Multi-User Mobile sub-THz Networks using Near-Field Wavefronts.”

The exploration of Terahertz (THz) communications (above 100 GHz) is promising for achieving ultra-high data rates and bandwidth in next-generation wireless networks. The combination of large transmitting arrays and smaller wavelength in THz communications introduces new challenges where the near-field range of a transmitter can extend to several meters. A wireless base station or access point may serve multiple near-field and far-field users. This project investigates the impacts of near-field complexities and the interplay between near- and far-field communications. It leverages near-field properties, such as the generation of curved beams for going around the obstruction or reconstructing the beams after interacting with an obstacle, to improve blockage resilience and system performance of THz wireless networks. This project also includes significant efforts to motivate participation in STEM, at all educational levels.