Rohde & Schwarz presents photonics-based ultra-stable tunable THz system for 6G at EuMW 2024 With the proof-of-concept for a system for 6G wireless data transmission based on a photonic THz communications link, Rohde & Schwarz is showcasing its contribution to state-of-the-art research for next generation wireless technologies at European Microwave Week in Paris. The ultra-stable, tunable THz system, developed within the 6G-ADLANTIK project, is based on frequency comb technology and enables carrier frequencies well beyond 500 GHz.
Ultra-stable, tunable THz system based on frequency comb technology. (Image: TOPTICA Photonics AG)
On the path to 6G, it is important to create terahertz (THz) transmission sources that offer high signal quality, and that cover as wide a frequency range as possible. Combining optical technologies with electronics is one possible way to achieve this in the future. At EuMW 2024 in Paris, Rohde & Schwarz is showcasing the company's contribution to state-of-the-art THz research within the 6G-ADLANTIK project. This project focuses on developing components for the THz frequency range based on photonic and electronic integration. Such THz components, yet to be developed, can then be used for innovative measurements and faster data transfers. These components will find applications not only in 6G communications but also in sensing and imaging. Funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research of Germany (BMBF) and coordinated by Rohde & Schwarz, 6G-ADLANTIK has brought together the partners TOPTICA Photonics AG, Fraunhofer-Institut HHI, Microwave Photonics GmbH, Technical University Berlin, and Spinner GmbH.
Ultra-stable tunable THz system for 6G based on photonics
The proof-of-concept shows an ultra-stable, tunable THz system for 6G wireless data transmission based on a photonic THz mixer which enables the generation of THz signals based on frequency comb technology. In this approach, a photodiode efficiently converts an optical beat signal derived from lasers with slightly different optical frequencies into an electrical signal through a photomixing process. The antenna structure surrounding the photomixer translates the oscillating photocurrent into a THz wave. The resulting signals can be modulated and demodulated for 6G wireless communications and can be tuned easily over a wide frequency range. The presented system also can be extended for component characterization with coherently received THz signals. A THz waveguide architecture simulation and design, as well as the development of ultra-low phase noise photonic reference oscillators, are also part of the scope of work for this project.
The ultra-low phase noise of the system is enabled by a comb-locked optical frequency synthesizer (OFS) in the TOPTICA laser engine. High-end instruments from Rohde & Schwarz are part of the setup: The R&S SFI100A wideband IF vector signal generator creates the baseband signals for the optical modulator with a sample rate of 16 GS/s. The R&S SMA100B RF and microwave signal generator generates a stable reference clock signal for the TOPTICA OFS system. The R&S RTP oscilloscope samples the baseband signal after the photoconductive continuous wave (cw) THz receiver (Rx) at a sample rate of 40 GS/s for further processing and demodulation of the 300 GHz carrier frequency signal, which will be shown at EuMW 2024.
6G and future frequency band requirements
6G will enable new application scenarios in industry, medical technology and everyday life. Applications like the metaverse and extended reality (XR) will bring about new requirements for latency and data transmission rates that are not met by current communications systems. Although the ITU World Radio Conference 2023 (WRC23) identified for further study new frequency bands in the FR3 spectrum (7.125 - 24 GHz) for the first commercial 6G networks to be launched in 2030, the sub-THz frequency band up to 300 GHz will eventually be indispensable to realize the full potential of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) applications.
Rohde & Schwarz exhibits its proof-of-concept of a THz system for 6G based on photonics along with its wide portfolio of RF and microwave test solutions at the European Microwave Week in Paris at booth 401L in Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from September 24 to 26, 2024.
In addition, Rohde & Schwarz co-hosts a full-day workshop at the European Microwave Conference (EuMC) on September 22, 2024 titled Photonic Technologies for Radio Frequency Applications, covering different aspects such as maturity, performance and costs of photonic RF technologies and their potential to compete with existing solutions.
For further information on test and measurement solutions from Rohde & Schwarz for 6G research and THz communications, visit: www.rohde-schwarz.com/6G
Europe Stories
05/01/2027
Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...
04/08/2026
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, t...
04/07/2026
April 7 2026, 19:00 (PDT) Detective Conan: Fallen Angel of the Highway Opens in...
02/06/2026
Musically intelligent soft synth gets upgraded
Scaler Music will be probably be best known to many for their music theory tools, but their product range al...
02/06/2026
Powerful new vocal-production tool announced
Described as a vocal performance station , Klevgrand's latest plug-in combines pitch-correction with harmo...
02/06/2026
Launched alongside Go Green sale extension
McDSP have just released the latest addition to their APB line-up, DC-2 Dual Compressor, and have also announced ...
02/06/2026
Create custom tools for Ableton Live 12 Suite
Ableton have just introduced a new open JavaScript toolkit that allows anyone to create their own custom tools...
02/06/2026
Now features full H90 algorithm library
Eventide have announced the upcoming launch of the H9 Harmonizer Gen 2, a new and improved version of their hugely p...
02/06/2026
Plus UAD Half Yearly Sale now live
The latest arrival to the Universal Audio range delivers a new native pitch-correction plug-in that's capable of deli...
02/06/2026
Rohde & Schwarz to present comprehensive performance, conformance and spectrum-m...
02/06/2026
BTL Laboratory becomes Taiwan's first test house with a CTIA Certification c...
02/06/2026
If you've kept up with this article series, you know by now where to start w...
02/06/2026
With new DSP configurations and flexible licensing options, Calrec is removing the barriers to virtualised audio, giving broadcasters the freedom to scale produ...
02/06/2026
02 Jun 2026
VEON Closes USD 1.4 Billion Bond Offering, Refinancing 2027 Notes A...
02/06/2026
Praise for series three:
The Times - sun-dappled pleasure
The Daily Mail - The Homes Counties' Charlie's Angels
The Sun - 4* this [is an] enjoya...
02/06/2026
Wuppertal June 2, 2026
Gudrun Scharler Appointed CEO of Riedel Networks The Riedel Group today announced the appointment of Gudrun Scharler as CEO of Riedel N...
02/06/2026
Trust has become a commercial issue With global advertising spend forecast to exceed US$1 trillion this year*, the commercial consequences of weak governance co...
02/06/2026
June sees Ireland's cultural calendar in full bloom, as RT Supporting the Arts showcases a vibrant and wide-ranging programme spanning music, theatre, visu...
02/06/2026
After The Traitors Ireland launched in 2025, Irish audiences proved to have a taste for the global hit reality show. This Bank Holiday Monday fans can indulge e...
01/06/2026
Category line-up & sponsors announced
Photo: Paul Clarke
The Production Music Awards (PMA) have announced that submissions are now officially open ahead of...
01/06/2026
New hybrid sample/synthesis instrument revealed
Excite Audio have just released the latest instalment in their Evolve series, which has been developed in co...
01/06/2026
Latest TONEX expansion captures three rare vintage amps
The newest addition to IK Multimedia's ever-growing TONEX line-up introduces a set of three incr...
01/06/2026
Musically intelligent soft synth gets upgraded
Scaler Music will be probably be best known to many for their music theory tools, but their product range al...
01/06/2026
Rohde & Schwarz Satellite Industry Days 2026 guided by the motto From Earth to ...
01/06/2026
Luxembourg, June 1, 2026 - SES, a leading space solutions company, and Viva, Mexico's ultra low-cost airline, launched fast and reliable multi-orbit satelli...
01/06/2026
Mardi 2 juin 14h00
FilmLight (ARRI), 10 rue Ren Boulanger, 75010 Paris
Rejoignez-nous pour d couvrir comment FLAPI (l'API FilmLight) peut transformer e...
01/06/2026
January 6 2026, 05:30 (PST) Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026
Throughout the week, Dolby brings to life the latest innovatio...
29/05/2026
The days are getting longer, the temperatures are rising, and playlists are filling up for the season. With summer around the corner, Spotify's global edito...
29/05/2026
New retro-inspired MPC announced
There are few devices that have gained the status held by Akai Pro's MPC range, and in recent years, the company have s...
29/05/2026
Save up to 30 on acclaimed titles
Following a successful launch at Superbooth 2026, Bjooks have revealed that they will be continuing the Kickstarter campa...
29/05/2026
Binaural monitoring application improved
Genelec have just released an update that brings some powerful new features to their HRTF-based binaural headphone ...
29/05/2026
6 June 2026 at SAE Institute, London, UK
IMSTA FESTA 2026 is almost upon us, with some of the biggest names in pro-audio set to descend upon SAE Institute i...
29/05/2026
cetecom advanced certifies Rohde & Schwarz test solution for hybrid and Next Gen...
29/05/2026
May 29 2026, 09:00 (PDT) Dolby and rednote Bring More Immersive Storytelling to...
29/05/2026
Youtube exclusive special drops today
Watch now
UKTV today announces another e...
29/05/2026
Genelec announces V2.1 for Aural ID binaural headphone monitoring application posted: 29/05/2026
Aural ID 2.1 enhances binaural monitoring for stereo and ...
29/05/2026
At just 20 years old, Sean Melia from Summerhill Co. Meath has been revealed as the winner of Super Garden 2026. Sean is the youngest ever contestant and winner...
28/05/2026
Thomsons Climate Crisis Toolkit is already being put to work, helping journalist...
28/05/2026
A little refresh can go a long way. We've been making behind-the-scenes upda...
28/05/2026
Since early last year, our quarterly Creator Milestone Awards have celebrated podcasts from around the world that hit major streaming milestones on Spotify. Tod...
28/05/2026
New software-based MIDI multi-clock announced
Rapid Flow have just announced the launch of a new MIDI utility plug-in that aims to solve one of the most per...
28/05/2026
Company introduce most affordable interface yet
SSL's range of audio interfaces has just gained its latest, and smallest member, the SSL 1. Designed to ...
28/05/2026
New compact drum machine & sampler announced
The latest instrument from Sonicware sees the company kick off an all-new Deconstruct series with a compact dru...
28/05/2026
Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority modernizes nationwide ATC voice communications...
28/05/2026
Comscore Announces Appointment of Matt McLaughlin as Chief Executive OfficerJon Carpenter to remain as Senior Advisor to the Board and CEO
Global business lead...
28/05/2026
Wuppertal May 28, 2026
Berliner Ensemble Upgrades Backstage Infrastructure With Riedel Stage SystemsRiedel Communications today announced that Berliner Ensemb...
28/05/2026
Harmonic's Software-Based XOS Advanced Media Processor Powers Cost-Efficient 24/7 Channel Origination and Direct-to-Consumer Delivery
SAN JOSE, Calif. - M...
28/05/2026
RT presents Wild Conamara, a two-part natural history documentary that brings a...
27/05/2026
Spotify already brings together listeners' favorite music, podcasts, and audiobooks in one place. Now, we're trialing a new format that expands the cont...
Rohde & Schwarz presents photonics-based ultra-stable tunable THz system for 6G at EuMW 2024 With the proof-of-concept for a system for 6G wireless data transmission based on a photonic THz communications link, Rohde & Schwarz is showcasing its contribution to state-of-the-art research for next generation wireless technologies at European Microwave Week in Paris. The ultra-stable, tunable THz system, developed within the 6G-ADLANTIK project, is based on frequency comb technology and enables carrier frequencies well beyond 500 GHz. 
