Data encoding on terahertz signals for communication and sensing

We demonstrate and analyze data modulation of terahertz (THz) signals in the 1 Mbit/s range. THz pulse trains are phase and amplitude encoded with pseudorandom binary data, transmitted over a short distance, and detected. Different modulation formats are generated. Bit error measurements characterize the communication channel. We estimate from experimental results the maximum data rates for an optimized system. (C) 2008 Optical Society of America.