Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore and Osaka University scientists have built a Terahertz wireless chip using  photonic topological insulators.

The chip can transmit terahertz (THz) waves resulting in a data rate of 11 Gigabits per second (Gbit/s), which is capable of supporting real-time streaming of 4K high-definition video, and exceeds the hitherto theoretical limit of 10 Gbit/s for 5G wireless communications.

Some of the problems of using THz waves reliably in telecommunications were overcome using Photonic Topological Insulators (PTI), which allow light waves to be conducted on the surface and edges of the insulators, akin to a train following railroads, rather than through the material.

This innovation can potentially boost intra-chip and inter-chip communication to support Artificial intelligence and cloud-based technologies, such as interconnected self-driving cars, which will need to transmit data quickly to other nearby cars and infrastructure to navigate better and also to avoid accidents.