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Hybrid chip enables two-way conversion between terahertz and optical signals for ultrafast communications

Researchers at EPFL and Harvard University have engineered a chip that can convert between electromagnetic pulses in the terahertz and optical ranges on the same device. Their integrated design could enable the development of devices for ultrafast telecommunications, ranging, spectroscopy, and computing.

Terahertz radiation describes a band of waves on the electromagnetic spectrum with frequencies higher than microwaves (which are used in telecommunications technologies like Wi-Fi) but lower than (used in lasers and fiber optics). Their short wavelengths mean that terahertz (THz) signals can transmit large amounts of data very fast, but connecting THz radiation to existing optical and microwave technologies has been extremely challenging.

In 2023, researchers in the Laboratory of Hybrid Photonics came one step closer to bridging this gap when they created an extremely thin photonic chip made of that, when connected to a , produced finely tailorable THz waves. Now, the team has reported a novel design that not only generates THz waves but detects incoming ones as well by converting them to optical signals.

Alarming New System Can Identify People Through Walls Using Wi-Fi Signal

Adding to the technological horror show is a troubling new system known as “WhoFi,” a high-tech apparatus that can track humans through Wi-Fi.

A team of researchers at the Sapienza University of Rome recently released a paper outlining a new system capable of detecting “biometric signatures” through distortions in Wi-Fi signals. Notably, the system can surveil humans regardless of lighting conditions, and can sense them through walls.

The researchers say that WhoFi can capture “rich biometric information,” identifying individual people with a 95.5 percent accuracy rate.

Flexible transmitter chip could make wireless devices more energy efficient

Researchers from MIT and elsewhere have designed a novel transmitter chip that significantly improves the energy efficiency of wireless communications, which could boost the range and battery life of a connected device.

Their approach employs a unique scheme to encode digital data into a , which reduces the amount of error in the and leads to more reliable communications.

The compact, flexible system could be incorporated into existing internet-of-things devices to provide immediate gains, while also meeting the more stringent efficiency requirements of future 6G technologies.

The battery-powered Starlink Mini is here

Starlink is a life-changing Internet service that connects people and villages too remote for towers and cables to reach. My own Starlink Mini has been critical in helping me pursue life as a digital nomad from almost anywhere in Europe. And right now, Starlink’s the only game in town for relatively cheap and fast consumer internet that can be quickly deployed into data dead spots.

My overriding thought after using the PeakDo LinkPower for the last few weeks is this: why doesn’t SpaceX make one of these?

Launch pad indicator error causes SpaceX, NASA to scrub planned static fire test of a Falcon 9 rocket ahead of the Crew-11 launch

Amazon is hoping to get a good rhythm going with the launch and deployment of Project Kuiper, its 3,232-satellite internet constellation, which began operational flights in April. The tech giant said on Thursday that its nearly $140 million investment in Florida is a cornerstone to making that happen.

While shown in the background of photos and hinted at in other public relations materials during its first three launch campaigns, Amazon confirmed on July 24 that its payload processing facility (PPF) at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) entered service back in April in time to support its first operational launch on a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas 5 rocket.

“There is no better place than Florida’s Space Coast to fulfill Kuiper’s promise to bring broadband to unserved and underserved across the nation and world,” said Brian Huseman, Amazon’s vice president for public policy and community engagement, in a statement. “We are proud to make investments in Florida that will impact the local community and ultimately our customers. We look forward to our long-term partnership with Space Florida, NASA, Space Force, and state and local officials, as well as our launch providers and community partners.”

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