Chinese scientists have successfully transmitted high-definition video signals over kilometers using terahertz wireless communication technology, marking the world's first case to apply superconducting terahertz receivers to long-distance wireless communication systems.
Terahertz waves refer to electromagnetic waves with wavelengths between 3,000 and 30 micrometers, sitting between microwaves and optical infrared frequencies. Research into the terahertz range deepens the understanding of fundamental scientific questions in physics, astronomy, and information science. Applications for terahertz technology span various fields, including astronomical observation, biomedical science, and data transmission, with significant implications for cutting-edge research, national economic development, and security.
The experiment was carried out from Sept 27 to Oct 1 at the submillimeter-wave astronomical observation base at an altitude of over 4,000 meters located on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. Researchers from the Purple Mountain Observatory under Chinese Academy of Sciences led the experiment with other teams.
"For example, if we see microwave communication as a two-lane road, then terahertz communication, due to its broader and richer spectrum resources, is like expanding that road to six or eight lanes. The significance of the superconducting detection technology we used this time lies in its high sensitivity. It's like having better-performing cars on this wider road, with almost no energy loss, allowing the signals to travel much farther," said Li Jing, researcher at the Purple Mountain Observatory.
This experiment has fully demonstrated the unique advantages of using superconducting receivers in terahertz communication, laying critical technical foundation for future space and air-to-ground high-capacity terahertz communication, as well as the construction of a multi-disciplinary platform at the submillimeter-wave observatory.
Chinese scientists achieve breakthrough in long-distance terahertz wireless communication
Chinese scientists achieve breakthrough in long-distance terahertz wireless communication
China's 41st Antarctic expedition team, aboard the research icebreaker Xuelong 2, has successfully collected a long sediment core in a sampling operation in the seamount region of the Amundsen Sea during its ongoing oceanographic survey.
The achievement was facilitated by the use of a long piston gravity corer, which performed the sampling operation. The equipment uses the force of gravity to collect sediment from the seabed.
The gravity corer used in the operation was approximately 22 meters long. As the operation required high stability of the equipment, Xuelong 2 paused to assemble the corer prior to the formal operation.
"The gravity corer consists of four sections, each measuring 5.5 meters. The two black tubes serve as its main components, connected by the yellow joint. These plastic tubes are the inner tubes, where the samples will be stored. Each inner tube is encased in an outer tube, allowing the entire assembly to function as a complete unit, so that the extracted sample taken will remain intact," said Xia Yinyue, director of the Xuelong 2 laboratory, while making an explanation about the gravity corer.
Each outer tube section is 5 meters long and weighs 206 kilograms, while each joint weighs 60 kilograms. Once the inner tubes are connected, the subsequent assembly process will rely entirely on manual labor.
The sampling site is located in a canyon of the Amundsen Sea seamount at a depth exceeding 2,800 meters. To maintain precise positioning, the researchers activated the dynamic positioning system.
"ravity corers require a high level of positional accuracy for the ship, as well as relatively favorable sea conditions. The current positioning accuracy error is within 10 centimeters," said Zhu Pengtao, first mate of Xuelong 2.
From equipment assembly to sample recovery, the whole task lasted over 20 hours before the sediment sample was successfully obtained.
"This is the benthic sediment, a scientifically-significant sedimentary rock layer. This is the first sample we collected from the Amundsen Sea. We are very satisfied with the outcome, and the process went relatively smoothly," Xia said.
The samplings can be used to reveal the ancient ocean and environmental evolution of the Amundsen Sea.
Once back in China, the team will analyze the core's physical, chemical and micropaleontological features to study the Earth environments at that time and provide insights for predicting future climate change.
China's 41st Antarctic expedition team set sail on Nov 1, 2024, for a mission expected to last nearly seven months.
China conducts first sediment core collection in Amundsen Sea
