|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Researchers at the Centre for Telecommunications Research at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), led by Hana Arisesa, have highlighted the significant potential for implementing terahertz (THz) technology in Indonesia’s future. Hana stated, “The opportunities for developing THz technology in the future are wide open.”
THz technology has many applications, including spectroscopy, imaging, astronomy, detection, testing, and, notably, as a potential technology for future wireless communication. Currently, THz technology is not widely used. However, Hana pointed out that existing technologies, such as 4G microwaves and photonics, are increasingly unable to meet the rising demands, necessitating more advanced solutions.
Hana further explained that the potential for THz technology is especially promising in telecommunications. In the early 2000s, extensive research was conducted to explore the use of THz in wireless communication to address the increasing data needs of the future. THz technology operates in the terahertz frequency band, ranging from 100 gigahertz (GHz) to 10,000 GHz. This frequency band lies between the microwave and infrared bands, which are well-known and utilised. “Therefore, THz is often referred to as sub-infrared or far-infrared technology,” she added.
THz technology offers several significant advantages for wireless communication, including its ability to transfer data at extremely high speeds. This provides a potential solution to the limitations of current technologies, particularly in terms of capacity and transmission speed. THz can also support applications that require large bandwidths and low latency, such as high-definition video streaming, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR).
Moreover, THz technology holds considerable potential in developing 6G networks, which are expected to be the next generation of wireless communication technology after 5G. This technology could create a more efficient and reliable future communication infrastructure, transmitting data at much higher speeds and supporting more connected devices simultaneously.
The development of THz technology could provide various benefits in Indonesia. As a country with a large population and an ever-growing demand for fast and reliable communication services, adopting THz technology could help meet these needs. Additionally, by developing local capabilities in this advanced technology, Indonesia could strengthen its position as a critical player in the global telecommunications industry.
Yusuf Nur Wijayanto, Head of the Electronics Research Centre at BRIN, highlighted that THz technology presents an alternative solution offering wireless and broadband capabilities. “In other words, the high mobility of applications in the telecommunications field and non-contact sensing in broadband can provide rapid data transfer capabilities and increased accuracy,” said Yusuf. Therefore, developing all aspects of THz devices and systems will be a focus of BRIN’s future research efforts, allowing this technology to be applied in various fields.
The development of THz technology will also impact other sectors. For instance, THz technology can be used in healthcare for more accurate non-invasive medical imaging, early disease detection, and real-time health monitoring. In security, it can be utilised for detecting hazardous materials, security surveillance, and military applications.
THz technology can be applied to product quality inspection, manufacturing process monitoring, and material testing in the industrial sector. This technology can help improve production efficiency and quality by detecting irregularities at a microscopic level.
Thus, the development of THz technology in Indonesia holds significant potential for driving innovation and enhancing national competitiveness across various sectors. Support and investment in the research and development of this technology will be vital in maximising the benefits that can be derived from THz technology in the future.
Through these efforts, BRIN aims to promote technological advancement in Indonesia and ensure that the country remains at the forefront of global innovation. By leveraging THz technology, Indonesia can achieve significant strides in digital transformation and realise its vision of becoming a prosperous and advanced nation.
