Carrier conversion from terahertz wave to dual-wavelength near-infrared light for photonic terahertz detection in wireless communication

Opt Express. 2023 Sep 25;31(20):33103-33112. doi: 10.1364/OE.499472.

Abstract

THz waves are promising wireless carriers for next-generation wireless communications, where a seamless connection from wireless to optical communication is required. In this study, we demonstrate carrier conversion from THz waves to dual-wavelength NIR light injection-locking to an optical frequency comb using asynchronous nonpolarimetric electro-optic downconversion with an electro-optic polymer modulator. THz wave in the W band was detected as a stable photonic RF beat signal of 1 GHz with a signal-to-noise ratio of 20 dB via the proposed THz-to-NIR carrier conversion. In addition, the results imply the potential of the photonic detection of THz waves for wireless-to-optical seamless communication.