SIG 1: High-Frequency Electronics and Communication Systems

The Special Interest Group in High-Frequency Electronics and Communication Systems encompasses a diverse range of topics, devices, and systems centred on the generation, detection, propagation and manipulation of terahertz signals with applications in sensing, imaging/radar and, particularly, in the next generation of communication systems.

<span class="text-gray-600 block">SIG 1:</span> High-Frequency Electronics and Communication Systems

Photoelectric tuneable-step (PETS) terahertz detector device.

Group lead(s)

Dr Miguel Navarro-Cía University of Birmingham

Dr Wladislaw Michailow University of Swansea/University of Cambridge

Devices of interest for this SIG include:

Sources: electronic oscillators, harmonic frequency multipliers, resonant tunnelling diodes, IMPATT and Gunn diodes, photonic sources, uni-traveling-carrier photodiodes and PIN photodiodes and vacuum electronics.
Detectors & mixers: receivers, Schottky diodes, heterodyning photonic methods, semiconductor devices, TeraFETs, photoelectric tunable-step detectors, 2D-material based detectors and focal-plane arrays
High-frequency circuits: low-noise and high-power amplifiers, mixers, frequency multipliers, CMOS and III-V/high-electron-mobility transistors, ultrafast analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) for THz signal processing.
Waveguides & transmission structures: transmission lines, fibres, interconnects waveguides, including dielectric-lined hollow metallic waveguides.
Antennas and quasi-optical components: reflective and diffractive optical components, lens antennas, mirrors, lenses, metasurfaces and metamaterials, plasmonic and slow-wave structures.
Components for sub-mmW and THz systems: receivers, resonators, modulators, multiplexers, splitters, switches, phase shifters, circulators.

Topics relevant to this SIG include:

Optics: holography, tomography, structured light, lens arrays, phased arrays, and beamforming
Systems for ultra-fast data transmission: transceivers, THz communication systems, MIMO architectures, Integration of THz systems with silicon photonics / CMOS technologies
Modelling and testing: Propagation and channel modelling, channel sounders, ray-launching models, stochastic models; Signal processing, artificial intelligence and machine learning; Test instruments (vector network analysers, spectrometers and cameras).
Novel phenomena (quantum, classical, optical): enabling ultrafast radiation detection, tunable THz wave control, and sub-mmW/THz emission.

The SIG is keen on engaging with members from industry and academia interested in collaborating in these areas, and in supporting their development, promotion, and expansion throughout the UK and internationally.

The SIG encourages inclusive participation from everyone interested in the area, including experts in the field, early-career researchers, SMEs, underrepresented groups, and stakeholders new to THz technologies. By fostering cross-disciplinary engagement and promoting equitable access to expertise and resources, the SIG stimulates innovation, enables knowledge exchange and transfer between established professionals and young researchers, and supports the wider adoption of THz technologies.

Through various engagement events we aim to establish a hub for discussion, networking, showcasing, and skill/capability matching amongst our members.