Chinese scientists develop thin-film radar chip, set to transform 6G and autonomous vehicles

Chinese researchers from Nankai University and City University of Hong Kong have achieved a groundbreaking advancement in millimeter-wave radar technology with the development of a thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) photonic millimeter-wave radar chip. This innovation has the potential to transform a wide range of cutting-edge applications, including 6G communication, autonomous driving and precision sensing. 

The team's findings, published in Nature Photonics on Monday, explained the integration of advanced photonic technologies with millimeter-wave radar systems enables unprecedented high-resolution imaging and detection capabilities, essential for applications demanding rapid and precise sensing.

What makes this chip special?

The new chip is built on a 4-inch thin-film lithium niobate platform, a material known for its exceptional ability to manipulate light and electrical signals. This platform is compatible with CMOS processes, the same technology used to manufacture most modern electronics, making it easier to produce at scale. The chip achieves centimeter-level resolution in distance and velocity detection and excels in two-dimensional imaging, using a technique called inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR), which allows it to create detailed images of objects, even in challenging environments.

"This chip represents a significant leap forward in radar technology. It not only overcomes the limitations of traditional electronic radar systems but also sets a new standard for compact, high-performance photonic radar systems," said Zhu Sha, professor and also a key member of the research team from Nankai University.

How does it work?

The research team optimized the chip's design to integrate two critical functions onto a single platform: frequency multiplication and echo de-chirping. Frequency multiplication allows the chip to generate high-frequency millimeter-wave signals, while echo de-chirping processes the reflected signals to extract precise information about the target's distance and speed. This integration enables the chip to efficiently generate, process and receive radar signals, all within a compact and energy-efficient design.

To test the chip's capabilities, the team conducted a series of experiments, including ranging, velocity measurement and ISAR imaging tests. The results demonstrated the chip's ability to accurately detect distances and velocities while producing high-definition images of various targets. These capabilities make it ideal for applications like autonomous vehicles, where precise sensing is critical for safety and navigation.

A milestone in radar technology

This breakthrough has far-reaching implications for multiple industries. In the field of 6G communication, the chip's ability to generate and process high-frequency signals could enable faster data transmission and lower latency, paving the way for next-generation wireless networks. For autonomous driving, the chip's high-resolution imaging and detection capabilities could enhance the safety and reliability of self-driving cars, allowing them to navigate complex environments with greater confidence.

Beyond these applications, the chip could also revolutionize precision sensing in fields like industrial automation, where it could be used for quality control and process monitoring, and medical imaging, where it could enable new diagnostic techniques.

Zhu emphasized the broader significance of this achievement, which is that it sets a new benchmark for the development of future high-performance, compact photonic radar systems.

"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," said Zhu.