Chinese researchers from Nankai University and City University of Hong Kong have made a groundbreaking advancement in radar technology by developing a thin-film lithium niobate photonic millimeter-wave radar chip. This innovation promises to revolutionize next-generation applications like 6G communication, autonomous driving, and precision sensing.
An Innovation in Millimeter-Wave Radar
The new chip is built on a 4-inch thin-film lithium niobate platform, renowned for its exceptional ability to manipulate light and electrical signals. Compatible with CMOS processes—the standard technology for crafting modern electronics—this platform ensures scalable and cost-effective production.
Unprecedented High-Resolution Imaging
What sets this chip apart is its ability to achieve centimeter-level resolution in distance and velocity detection. It excels in two-dimensional imaging using inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) techniques, creating detailed images even in challenging environments.
“This chip represents a significant leap forward in radar technology,” said Professor Zhu Sha from Nankai University, a key member of the research team. “It overcomes the limitations of traditional electronic radar systems and sets a new standard for compact, high-performance photonic radar systems.”
How Does It Work?
The chip ingeniously integrates two critical functions: frequency multiplication and echo de-chirping. Frequency multiplication generates high-frequency millimeter-wave signals, while echo de-chirping processes reflected signals to extract precise information about a target’s distance and speed. This integration allows for efficient signal generation, processing, and reception within a compact, energy-efficient design.
Transformative Applications
In testing, the chip demonstrated remarkable accuracy in detecting distances and velocities, producing high-definition images of various targets. These capabilities are crucial for:
6G Communication: Enabling faster data transmission and lower latency for next-generation wireless networks.
Autonomous Driving: Enhancing safety and reliability by allowing vehicles to navigate complex environments with greater confidence.
Precision Sensing: Revolutionizing industries like industrial automation and medical imaging with advanced quality control and diagnostic techniques.
Professor Zhu emphasized the broader impact of this achievement: “As we approach the 6G era, this technology is poised to drive transformative changes across multiple fields, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of microwave photonic radar technology.”
A Milestone in Radar Technology
This breakthrough not only signifies a major step forward for radar systems but also showcases the potential of integrating photonic technologies with millimeter-wave systems. The development sets a new benchmark for future high-performance, compact photonic radar systems, heralding a new era of technological innovation.
