Chinese researchers from Nankai University and City University of Hong Kong have made a groundbreaking advancement in millimeter-wave radar technology with the development of a thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) photonic millimeter-wave radar chip. This innovative chip is poised to transform a wide array of cutting-edge applications, including 6G communication, autonomous driving, and precision sensing.
Published recently in the journal Nature Photonics, the team's findings highlight how the integration of advanced photonic technologies with millimeter-wave radar systems can deliver unprecedented high-resolution imaging and detection capabilities. These advancements are essential for applications that demand rapid and precise sensing.
A leap forward in radar technology
The new radar chip is built on a 4-inch thin-film lithium niobate platform, a material renowned for its exceptional ability to manipulate both light and electrical signals. This platform is compatible with complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) processes—the technology widely used in manufacturing modern electronics—facilitating scalable production.
What sets this chip apart is its remarkable performance in achieving centimeter-level resolution in both distance and velocity detection. It excels in two-dimensional imaging using a technique known as inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR), enabling the creation of detailed images of objects even in challenging environments.
\"This chip represents a significant leap forward in radar technology,\" said Professor Zhu Sha, a key member of the research team from Nankai University. \"It not only overcomes the limitations of traditional electronic radar systems but also sets a new standard for compact, high-performance photonic radar systems.\"
Implications for future technologies
The development of this TFLN photonic radar chip opens up new possibilities for the next generation of wireless communication technologies, such as 6G. Its ability to provide high-resolution sensing and imaging capabilities can enhance autonomous vehicles' navigation systems, improve precision in industrial sensing applications, and contribute to advancements in telecommunications infrastructure.
As industries worldwide seek to harness faster and more accurate sensing technologies, this breakthrough by the Chinese research team positions China at the forefront of radar and photonic innovation.
Reference(s):
Chinese scientists' thin-film radar chip set to transform 6G and more
cgtn.com
