Case Study: University at Buffalo achieves first-ever 1 THz wireless, ultra-broadband communications with Keysight

Pushing the Boundaries to Achieve Ultra-broadband Communications at True Terahertz Frequencies

The University at Buffalo, led by Dr. Josep Jornet, set out to explore whether ultra-broadband communications are feasible in the terahertz band, facing challenges such as generating very high carrier frequencies, building compact high‑power transmitters and high‑sensitivity receivers, and benchmarking new terahertz devices. To support this work, the team relied on Keysight equipment — notably the M8196A 92 GSa/s arbitrary waveform generator, two E8257D PSG analog microwave signal generators, and the DSOZ632A Infiniium Z‑Series oscilloscope — as part of their measurement and test platform.

Using Keysight instruments as core components of its TeraNova testbed (with Virginia Diodes up/downconverters), the University at Buffalo generated, modulated, transmitted and analyzed terahertz signals over the air. The Keysight‑based setup enabled the world’s first successful wireless communication at 1.025 THz, achieved error‑free ultra‑broadband transmission exceeding 30 GHz at 1 THz, and produced the first integrated terahertz testbed above 1 THz — demonstrating a clear, measurable leap forward in terahertz research.

University at Buffalo

Josep Jornet

University at Buffalo