Terahertz wave beam control using optical phased array and array photomixer

Abstract Terahertz waves technology has attracted attention as a means of achieving ultrahigh-speed, high-capacity wireless communications. However, terahertz waves have high propagation loss due to their HF and high directivity. Therefore, terahertz wave intensity enhancement and beam steering are required. In this study, we discussed beam control of the terahertz wave generated by arrayed photomixers using an optical phased array (OPA). It was revealed that the terahertz beam steering by the OPA can be controlled with an error of less than 10°. Furthermore, we developed an automatic terahertz beam deflection system based on a hill-climbing algorithm and feedback control to improve the beam steering accuracy.