Editorial

3 pages, 169 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Editorial on Special Issue “Modern Applications in Optics and Photonics: From Sensing and Analytics to Communication”

by Lourdes S. M. Alwis, Kort Bremer and Bernhard Roth

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(4), 1589; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11041589 - 10 Feb 2021

Viewed by 1292

Optics and photonics are among the key technologies of the 21st century and offer the potential for novel applications in areas as diverse as sensing and spectroscopy, analytics, monitoring, biomedical imaging and diagnostics, as well as optical communication technology, among others [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Applications in Optics and Photonics: From Sensing and Analytics to Communication)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

10 pages, 3045 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Single-Mode Polymer Ridge Waveguide Integration of Organic Thin-Film Laser

by Marko Čehovski, Jing Becker, Ouacef Charfi, Hans-Hermann Johannes, Claas Müller and Wolfgang Kowalsky

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(8), 2805; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10082805 - 18 Apr 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3362

Abstract

Organic thin-film lasers (OLAS) are promising optical sources when it comes to flexibility and small-scale manufacturing. These properties are required especially for integrating organic thin-film lasers into single-mode waveguides. Optical sensors based on single-mode ridge waveguide systems, especially for Lab-on-a-chip (LoC) applications, usually [...] Read more.

Organic thin-film lasers (OLAS) are promising optical sources when it comes to flexibility and small-scale manufacturing. These properties are required especially for integrating organic thin-film lasers into single-mode waveguides. Optical sensors based on single-mode ridge waveguide systems, especially for Lab-on-a-chip (LoC) applications, usually need external laser sources, free-space optics, and coupling structures, which suffer from coupling losses and mechanical stabilization problems. In this paper, we report on the first successful integration of organic thin-film lasers directly into polymeric single-mode ridge waveguides forming a monolithic laser device for LoC applications. The integrated waveguide laser is achieved by three production steps: nanoimprint of Bragg gratings onto the waveguide cladding material EpoClad, UV-Lithography of the waveguide core material EpoCore, and thermal evaporation of the OLAS material Alq₃:DCM2 on top of the single-mode waveguides and the Bragg grating area. Here, the laser light is analyzed out of the waveguide facet with optical spectroscopy presenting single-mode characteristics even with high pump energy densities. This kind of integrated waveguide laser is very suitable for photonic LoC applications based on intensity and interferometric sensors where single-mode operation is required. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Applications in Optics and Photonics: From Sensing and Analytics to Communication)

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10 pages, 3139 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Towards the Development of Rapid and Low-Cost Pathogen Detection Systems Using Microfluidic Technology and Optical Image Processing

by Abdelfateh Kerrouche, Jordan Lithgow, Ilyas Muhammad and Imed Romdhani

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(7), 2527; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10072527 - 07 Apr 2020

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2170

Abstract

Waterborne pathogens affect all waters globally and proceed to be an ongoing concern. Previous methods for detection of pathogens consist of a high test time and a high sample consumption, but they are very expensive and require specialist operators. This study aims to [...] Read more.

Waterborne pathogens affect all waters globally and proceed to be an ongoing concern. Previous methods for detection of pathogens consist of a high test time and a high sample consumption, but they are very expensive and require specialist operators. This study aims to develop a monitoring system capable of identifying waterborne pathogens with particular characteristics using a microfluidic device, optical imaging and a classification algorithm to provide low-cost and portable solutions. This paper investigates the detection of small size microbeads (1–5 µm) from a measured water sample by using a cost-effective microscopic camera and computational algorithms. Results provide areas of opportunities to decrease sample consumption, reduce testing time and minimize the use of expensive equipment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Applications in Optics and Photonics: From Sensing and Analytics to Communication)

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17 pages, 1386 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Monolitic Hybrid Transmitter-Receiver Lens for Rotary On-Axis Communications

by René Kirrbach, Michael Faulwaßer, Tobias Schneider, Philipp Meißner, Alexander Noack and Frank Deicke

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(4), 1540; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10041540 - 24 Feb 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3082

Abstract

High-speed rotary communication links exhibit high complexity and require challenging assembly tolerances. This article investigates the use of optical wireless communications (OWC) for on-axis rotary communication scenarios. First, OWC is compared with other state-of-the-art technologies. Different realization approaches for bidirectional, full-duplex links are [...] Read more.

High-speed rotary communication links exhibit high complexity and require challenging assembly tolerances. This article investigates the use of optical wireless communications (OWC) for on-axis rotary communication scenarios. First, OWC is compared with other state-of-the-art technologies. Different realization approaches for bidirectional, full-duplex links are discussed. For the most promising approach, a monolithic hybrid transmitter-receiver lens is designed by ray mapping methodology. Ray tracing simulations are used to study the alignment-depended receiver power level and to determine the effect of optical crosstalk. Over a distance of

12.5

m

m

, the lens achieves an optical power level at the receiver of

- 16.2

dBm

to

- 8.7

dBm

even for misalignments up to 3

m m

. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Applications in Optics and Photonics: From Sensing and Analytics to Communication)

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12 pages, 1038 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Real-Time Train Tracking from Distributed Acoustic Sensing Data

by Christoph Wiesmeyr, Martin Litzenberger, Markus Waser, Adam Papp, Heinrich Garn, Günther Neunteufel and Herbert Döller

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(2), 448; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10020448 - 08 Jan 2020

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 5473

Abstract

In the context of railway safety, it is crucial to know the positions of all trains moving along the infrastructure. In this contribution, we present an algorithm that extracts the positions of moving trains for a given point in time from Distributed Acoustic [...] Read more.

In the context of railway safety, it is crucial to know the positions of all trains moving along the infrastructure. In this contribution, we present an algorithm that extracts the positions of moving trains for a given point in time from Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) signals. These signals are obtained by injecting light pulses into an optical fiber close to the railway tracks and measuring the Rayleigh backscatter. We show that the vibrations of moving objects can be identified and tracked in real-time yielding train positions every second. To speed up the algorithm, we describe how the calculations can partly be based on graphical processing units. The tracking quality is assessed by counting the inaccurate and lost train tracks for two different types of cable installations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Applications in Optics and Photonics: From Sensing and Analytics to Communication)

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8 pages, 1952 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Towards Mode-Multiplexed Fiber Sensors: An Investigation on the Spectral Response of Etched Graded Index OM4 Multi-Mode Fiber with Bragg grating for Refractive Index and Temperature Measurement

by Kort Bremer, Lourdes Shanika Malindi Alwis, Yulong Zheng and Bernhard Wilhelm Roth

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(1), 337; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10010337 - 02 Jan 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2317

Abstract

An investigation on the feasibility of utilizing Mode Division Multiplexing (MDM) for simultaneous measurement of Surrounding Refractive Index (SRI) and temperature using a single sensor element based on an etched OM4 Graded Index Multi Mode Fiber (GI-MMF) with an integrated fiber Bragg Grating [...] Read more.

An investigation on the feasibility of utilizing Mode Division Multiplexing (MDM) for simultaneous measurement of Surrounding Refractive Index (SRI) and temperature using a single sensor element based on an etched OM4 Graded Index Multi Mode Fiber (GI-MMF) with an integrated fiber Bragg Grating (BG), is presented. The proposed work is focused on the concept of principle mode groups (PMGs) generated by the OM4 GI-MMF whose response to SRI and temperature would be different and thus discrimination of the said two parameters can be achieved simultaneously via a single sensor element. Results indicate that the response of all PMGs to temperature to be equal, i.e., 11.4 pm/°C, while the response to SRI depends on each PMG. Thus, it is evident that temperature “de-coupled” SRI measurement can be achieved by deducing the temperature effects experienced by the sensor element. Sensitivity of the PMGs to applied SRI varied from 3.04 nm/RIU to of 0.22 nm/RIU from the highest to lowest PMG, respectively. The results verify that it is feasible to obtain dual measurement of SRI and temperature simultaneously using the same, i.e., single, sensing element. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Applications in Optics and Photonics: From Sensing and Analytics to Communication)

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11 pages, 2088 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A High Peak Power and High Beam Quality Sub-Nanosecond Nd:YVO₄ Laser System at 1 kHz Repetition Rate without SRS Process

by Yutao Huang, Hongbo Zhang, Xiaochao Yan, Zhijun Kang, Fuqiang Lian and Zhongwei Fan

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(23), 5247; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9235247 - 02 Dec 2019

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3467

Abstract

We present a compact sub-nanosecond diode-end-pumped Nd:YVO₄ laser system running at 1 kHz. A maximum output energy of 65.4 mJ without significant stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) process was obtained with a pulse duration of 600 ps, corresponding to a pulse peak power [...] Read more.

We present a compact sub-nanosecond diode-end-pumped Nd:YVO₄ laser system running at 1 kHz. A maximum output energy of 65.4 mJ without significant stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) process was obtained with a pulse duration of 600 ps, corresponding to a pulse peak power of 109 MW. Laser pulses from this system had good beam quality, where M² < 1.6, and the excellent signal to noise ratio was more than 42 dB. By frequency doubling with an LBO crystal, 532 nm green light with an average power of 40.5 W and a power stability of 0.28% was achieved. The diode-end-pumped pump power limitation on a high peak power amplifier caused by the SRS process and thermal fracture in bulk Nd:YVO₄ crystal is also analyzed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Applications in Optics and Photonics: From Sensing and Analytics to Communication)

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8 pages, 1778 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Traceable High-Accuracy Velocity Measurement by Electro-Optic Dual-Comb Interferometry

by Bin Xue, Haoyun Zhang, Tuo Zhao and Haoming Jing

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(19), 4118; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9194118 - 02 Oct 2019

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2381

Abstract

An electro-optic dual-comb Doppler velocimeter for high-accuracy velocity measurement is presented in this paper. The velocity information of the object can be accurately extracted from the change of repetition frequency, which is in the microwave frequency domain and can be locked to an [...] Read more.

An electro-optic dual-comb Doppler velocimeter for high-accuracy velocity measurement is presented in this paper. The velocity information of the object can be accurately extracted from the change of repetition frequency, which is in the microwave frequency domain and can be locked to an atomic clock. We generate two optical combs by electro-optic phase modulators and trace their repetition frequencies to the rubidium clock. One functions as the measurement laser and the other the reference. Experimentally, we verify its high accuracy in the range of 100–300 mm/s with a maximum deviation of 0.44 mm/s. The proposed velocimeter combines the merits of high accuracy and wide range. In addition, since the repetition frequency used for the measurement is traceable to the rubidium clock, its potential superiority in traceability can be utilized in velocity metrology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Applications in Optics and Photonics: From Sensing and Analytics to Communication)

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12 pages, 2115 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dependence-Analysis-Based Data-Refinement in Optical Scatterometry for Fast Nanostructure Reconstruction

by Zhengqiong Dong, Xiuguo Chen, Xuanze Wang, Yating Shi, Hao Jiang and Shiyuan Liu

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(19), 4091; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9194091 - 30 Sep 2019

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2423

Abstract

Optical scatterometry is known as a powerful tool for nanostructure reconstruction due to its advantages of being non-contact, non-destructive, low cost, and easy to integrate. As a typical model-based method, it usually makes use of abundant measured data for structural profile reconstruction, on [...] Read more.

Optical scatterometry is known as a powerful tool for nanostructure reconstruction due to its advantages of being non-contact, non-destructive, low cost, and easy to integrate. As a typical model-based method, it usually makes use of abundant measured data for structural profile reconstruction, on the other hand, too much redundant information significantly degrades the efficiency in profile reconstruction. We propose a method based on dependence analysis to identify and then eliminate the measurement configurations with redundant information. Our experiments demonstrated the capability of the proposed method in an optimized selection of a subset of measurement wavelengths that contained sufficient information for profile reconstruction and strikingly improved the profile reconstruction efficiency without sacrificing accuracy, compared with the primitive approach, by making use of the whole spectrum. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Applications in Optics and Photonics: From Sensing and Analytics to Communication)

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16 pages, 3916 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Mesh-Based Monte Carlo Study for Investigating Structural and Functional Imaging of Brain Tissue Using Optical Coherence Tomography

by Luying Yi, Liqun Sun, Mingli Zou and Bo Hou

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(19), 4008; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9194008 - 25 Sep 2019

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2329

Abstract

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) can obtain high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) structural images of biological tissues, and spectroscopic OCT, which is one of the functional extensions of OCT, can also quantify chromophores of tissues. Due to its unique features, OCT has been increasingly used for [...] Read more.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) can obtain high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) structural images of biological tissues, and spectroscopic OCT, which is one of the functional extensions of OCT, can also quantify chromophores of tissues. Due to its unique features, OCT has been increasingly used for brain imaging. To support the development of the simulation and analysis tools on which OCT-based brain imaging depends, a model of mesh-based Monte Carlo for OCT (MMC-OCT) is presented in this work to study OCT signals reflecting the structural and functional activities of brain tissue. In addition, an approach to improve the quantitative accuracy of chromophores in tissue is proposed and validated by MMC-OCT simulations. Specifically, the OCT-based brain structural imaging was first simulated to illustrate and validate the MMC-OCT strategy. We then focused on the influences of different wavelengths on the measurement of hemoglobin concentration C, oxygen saturation Y, and scattering coefficient S in brain tissue. Finally, it is proposed and verified here that the measurement accuracy of C, Y, and S can be improved by selecting appropriate wavelengths for calculation, which contributes to the experimental study of brain functional sensing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Applications in Optics and Photonics: From Sensing and Analytics to Communication)

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14 pages, 2941 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Topological Charge Detection Using Generalized Contour-Sum Method from Distorted Donut-Shaped Optical Vortex Beams: Experimental Comparison of Closed Path Determination Methods

by Daiyin Wang, Hongxin Huang, Haruyoshi Toyoda and Huafeng Liu

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(19), 3956; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9193956 - 20 Sep 2019

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2493

Abstract

A generalized contour-sum method has been proposed to measure the topological charge (TC) of an optical vortex (OV) beam using a Shack–Hartmann wavefront sensor (SH-WFS). Moreover, a recent study extended it to be workable for measuring an aberrated OV beam. However, when the [...] Read more.

A generalized contour-sum method has been proposed to measure the topological charge (TC) of an optical vortex (OV) beam using a Shack–Hartmann wavefront sensor (SH-WFS). Moreover, a recent study extended it to be workable for measuring an aberrated OV beam. However, when the OV beam suffers from severe distortion, the closed path for circulation calculation becomes crucial. In this paper, we evaluate the performance of five closed path determination methods, including watershed transformation, maximum average-intensity circle extraction, a combination of watershed transformation and maximum average-intensity circle extraction, and perfectly round circles assignation. In the experiments, we used a phase-only spatial light modulator to generate OV beams and aberrations, while an SH-WFS was used to measure the intensity profile and phase slopes. The results show that when determining the TC values of distorted donut-shaped OV beams, the watershed-transformed maximum average-intensity circle method performed the best, and the maximum average-intensity circle method and the watershed transformation method came second and third, while the worst was the perfect circles assignation method. The discussions that explain our experimental results are also given. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Applications in Optics and Photonics: From Sensing and Analytics to Communication)

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10 pages, 2526 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Durability of Functionalized Carbon Structures with Optical Fiber Sensors in a Highly Alkaline Concrete Environment

by Kort Bremer, Lourdes S. M. Alwis, Yulong Zheng, Frank Weigand, Michael Kuhne, Reinhard Helbig and Bernhard Roth

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(12), 2476; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9122476 - 18 Jun 2019

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3242

Abstract

The paper presents an investigation into the durability of functionalized carbon structures (FCS) in a highly alkaline concrete environment. First, the suitability of optical fibers with different coatings—i.e., acrylate, polyimide, or carbon—for the FCS was investigated by subjecting fibers with different coatings to [...] Read more.

The paper presents an investigation into the durability of functionalized carbon structures (FCS) in a highly alkaline concrete environment. First, the suitability of optical fibers with different coatings—i.e., acrylate, polyimide, or carbon—for the FCS was investigated by subjecting fibers with different coatings to micro/macro bending and a 5% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) (pH 14) solution. Then, the complete FCS was also subjected to a 5% NaOH solution. Finally, the effects of spatial variation of the fiber embedded in the FCS and the bonding strength between the fiber and FCS was evaluated using different configurations —i.e., fiber integrated into FCS in a straight line and/or with offsets. All three coatings passed the micro/macro bending tests and show degradation after alkaline exposure, with the carbon coating showing least degradation. The FCS showed relative stability after exposure to 5% NaOH. The optimum bonding length between the optical fiber and the carbon filament was found to be ≥150 mm for adequate sensitivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Applications in Optics and Photonics: From Sensing and Analytics to Communication)

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9 pages, 1468 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Intensity-Modulated PM-PCF Sagnac Loop in a DWDM Setup for Strain Measurement

by Mateusz Mądry, Lourdes Alwis and Elżbieta Bereś-Pawlik

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(11), 2374; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9112374 - 11 Jun 2019

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3908

Abstract

A novel intensity-modulated Sagnac loop sensor based on polarization-maintaining photonic crystal fiber (PM-PCF) in a setup with a dense wavelength division multiplexer (DWDM) for strain measurement is presented. The sensor head is made of PM-PCF spliced to single-mode fibers. The interferometer spectrum shifts [...] Read more.

A novel intensity-modulated Sagnac loop sensor based on polarization-maintaining photonic crystal fiber (PM-PCF) in a setup with a dense wavelength division multiplexer (DWDM) for strain measurement is presented. The sensor head is made of PM-PCF spliced to single-mode fibers. The interferometer spectrum shifts in response to the longitudinal strain experienced by the PM-PCF. After passing the Sagnac loop, light is transmitted by a selected DWDM channel, resulting in a change in the output optical power due to the elongation of PM-PCF. Hence, appropriate adjustment of spectral characteristics of the DWDM channel and the PM-PCF Sagnac interferometer is required. However, the proposed setup utilizes an optical power measurement scheme, simultaneously omitting expensive and complex optical spectrum analyzers. An additional feature is the possibility of multiplexing of the PM-PCF Sagnac loop in order to create a fiber optic sensor network. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Applications in Optics and Photonics: From Sensing and Analytics to Communication)

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14 pages, 4118 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Non-Contact Dermatoscope with Ultra-Bright Light Source and Liquid Lens-Based Autofocus Function

by Dierk Fricke, Evgeniia Denker, Annice Heratizadeh, Thomas Werfel, Merve Wollweber and Bernhard Roth

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(11), 2177; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9112177 - 28 May 2019

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 5224

Abstract

Dermatoscopes are routinely used in skin cancer screening but are rarely employed for the diagnosis of other skin conditions. Broader application is promising from a diagnostic point of view as biopsies for differential diagnosis may be avoided but it requires non-contact devices allowing [...] Read more.

Dermatoscopes are routinely used in skin cancer screening but are rarely employed for the diagnosis of other skin conditions. Broader application is promising from a diagnostic point of view as biopsies for differential diagnosis may be avoided but it requires non-contact devices allowing a comparably large field of view that are not commercially available today. Autofocus and color reproducibility are specific challenges for the development of dermatoscopy for application beyond cancer screening. We present a prototype for such a system including solutions for autofocus and color reproducibility independent of ambient lighting. System performance includes sufficiently high feature resolution of up to 30 µm and feature size scaling fulfilling the requirements to apply the device in regular skin cancer screening. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Applications in Optics and Photonics: From Sensing and Analytics to Communication)

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13 pages, 4950 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Application of Integrated Optical Electric-Field Sensor on the Measurements of Transient Voltages in AC High-Voltage Power Grids

by Shijun Xie, Yu Zhang, Huaiyuan Yang, Hao Yu, Zhou Mu, Chenmeng Zhang, Shupin Cao, Xiaoqing Chang and Ruorong Hua

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(9), 1951; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9091951 - 13 May 2019

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3526

Abstract

Transient voltages in the power grid are the key for the fault analysis of a power grid, optimized insulation design, and the standardization of the high-voltage testing method. The traditional measuring equipment, based on electrical engineering, normally has a limited bandwidth and response [...] Read more.

Transient voltages in the power grid are the key for the fault analysis of a power grid, optimized insulation design, and the standardization of the high-voltage testing method. The traditional measuring equipment, based on electrical engineering, normally has a limited bandwidth and response speed, which are also featured by a huge size and heavy weight. In this paper, an integrated optical electric-field sensor based on the Pockels effect was developed and applied to measure the transient voltages on the high-voltage conductors in a non-contact measuring mode. The measuring system has a response speed faster than 6 ns and a wide bandwidth ranging from 5 Hz to 100 MHz. Moreover, the sensors have the dimensions of 18 mm by 18 mm by 48 mm and a light weight of dozens of grams. The measuring systems were employed to monitor the lightning transient voltages on a 220 kV overhead transmission line. The switching transient voltages were also measured by the measuring system during the commissioning of the 500 kV middle Tibet power grid. In 2017, 307 lightning transient voltages caused by induction stroke were recorded. The characteristics of these voltage waveforms are different from the standard lightning impulse voltage proposed by IEC standards. Three types of typical switching transient voltage in 500 kV AC power grid were measured, and the peak values of these overvoltages can reach 1.73 times rated voltage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Applications in Optics and Photonics: From Sensing and Analytics to Communication)

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Review

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34 pages, 4527 KiB

Open AccessReview

Key Roles of Plasmonics in Wireless THz Nanocommunications—A Survey

by Efthymios Lallas

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(24), 5488; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9245488 - 13 Dec 2019

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4482

Abstract

Wireless data traffic has experienced an unprecedented boost in past years, and according to data traffic forecasts, within a decade, it is expected to compete sufficiently with wired broadband infrastructure. Therefore, the use of even higher carrier frequency bands in the THz range, [...] Read more.

Wireless data traffic has experienced an unprecedented boost in past years, and according to data traffic forecasts, within a decade, it is expected to compete sufficiently with wired broadband infrastructure. Therefore, the use of even higher carrier frequency bands in the THz range, via adoption of new technologies to equip future THz band wireless communication systems at the nanoscale is required, in order to accommodate a variety of applications, that would satisfy the ever increasing user demands of higher data rates. Certain wireless applications such as 5G and beyond communications, network on chip system architectures, and nanosensor networks, will no longer satisfy speed and latency demands with existing technologies and system architectures. Apart from conventional CMOS technology, and the already tested, still promising though, photonic technology, other technologies and materials such as plasmonics with graphene respectively, may offer a viable infrastructure solution on existing THz technology challenges. This survey paper is a thorough investigation on the current and beyond state of the art plasmonic system implementation for THz communications, by providing in-depth reference material, highlighting the fundamental aspects of plasmonic technology roles in future THz band wireless communication and THz wireless applications, that will define future demands coping with users’ needs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Applications in Optics and Photonics: From Sensing and Analytics to Communication)

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