Attosecond physics: Understanding the microcosmos
With the aid of terahertz radiation, physicists have developed a method for generating and controlling ultrashort electron pulses. With further improvements, this technique should be capable of capturing even electrons in motion. Ref. Source 7t.
Chip-sized, high-speed terahertz modulator raises possibility of faster data transmission
Engineers have invented a chip-sized, high-speed modulator that operates at terahertz (THz) frequencies and at room temperature at low voltages without consuming DC power. The discovery could help fill the “THz gap” that is limiting development of new and more powerful wireless devices that could transmit data at significantly higher speeds than currently possible. Ref. Source 3j.
Terahertz electronics is really exciting. This is the similar technology to what they use in the new airport security checks to find weapons (The so called body-scanners). It has many purposes, but because it can go through more materials and reach longer distances it has the potential to make better wireless devices. We might could have free wifi everywhere and never need a data plan again. Remote parts of the world would finally have access to the internet. It would be much harder for China and other closed governments to block access. This would also be able to transmit data faster as it has a shorter wavelength so it is easier to modulate data. Hopefully this stuff can come to fruition soon.
Smaller and faster: The terahertz computer chip is now within reach. Following three years of extensive research, physicists have created technology that will enable our computers —- and all optic communication devices —- to run 100 times faster through terahertz microchips. Source 2e.