CMOS multifunctional programmable metachip for terahertz-integrated sensing and communication.

A CMOS-based terahertz-programmable metachip achieves dual-frequency modulation at 410 and 520 GHz, enabling integrated sensing and communication in a scalable array.

• Why it matters: Terahertz applications require compact, integrated hardware for wave manipulation and data transmission, but current solutions lack scalability and multi-functionality for practical deployment.
• What they did: Using a 55-nanometer CMOS process, the team fabricated a metachip that modulates terahertz waves in reflection and transflection modes, supporting multichannel communication and motion tracking with array scalability.
• The result: This work demonstrates a pathway for integrated, scalable terahertz systems capable of advanced sensing and communication, including detecting specific materials like α-lactose, advancing T-ISAC technology.