ROHM’s 2nd Generation Terahertz Wave Oscillation Device
ROHM has developed a 2nd Generation terahertz (THz) wave oscillation device based on Resonant Tunnelling Diodes (RTDs). The device is offered through the RTD-EVK-G2 Terahertz Wave Device Evaluation Kit, which includes a sample device, cable, and evaluation board. This kit allows companies and research institutions to evaluate THz wave oscillation and detection in a compact development environment. Terahertz waves occupy the frequency region between radio waves and light. They combine the penetrating properties of radio waves with the straight-line propagation of light and exhibit unique absorption characteristics for polymers, moisture, and other substances. Potential uses include non-destructive testing (without ionizing radiation), medical and healthcare applications, and high-resolution radar sensing. Conventional THz systems require large equipment and high costs, limiting entry for new companies and research institutions. ROHM has conducted joint research on RTD-based THz oscillation and detection devices since the late 2000s with partners including the Institute of Science Tokyo and Osaka University. In 2024, ROHM began offering 1st Generation samples that achieved significant size and cost reductions. The 2nd Generation device addresses demand for improved signal quality by delivering higher output power while retaining a compact form factor. The RTD approach generates less heat and consumes less power than other THz generation methods (such as frequency multiplication or photomixing), reducing development burden.
Specification
| Specification | ROHM 2nd-Generation THz Device / RTD-EVK-G2 |
|---|---|
| Technology | Resonant Tunnelling Diode (RTD) |
| Device type | Terahertz wave oscillation device |
| Generation | 2nd generation |
| Maximum output power | 40 µW |
| Output improvement | Approximately 4× vs. 1st generation |
| Chip size | 0.5 × 0.5 mm |
| Package | PLCC |
| Package size | 4.0 × 4.3 mm |
| Operating environment | Room-temperature operation |
| Cooling | No dedicated cooling required |
| Power/thermal characteristics | Lower heat generation and power consumption compared with other THz-generation approaches |
| Evaluation platform | RTD-EVK-G2 |
| Evaluation kit contents | Sample device, evaluation board and cables |
| Measurement support | Can be combined with Analog Discovery 3, PC and software |
| Primary purpose | THz-wave oscillation and detection evaluation |
| Availability | August 2026 |
| Evaluation kit price | US$3,300/set, excluding tax |
| Purchase requirement | NDA with ROHM required |
Key Features
- Approximately 4× higher output power than the 1st Generation device (up to 40 µW), improving detectability of THz waves after transmission through or reflection from target objects.
- Maintains the same compact chip size and industry-smallest PLCC package footprint.
- Enables evaluation environments even in space-constrained settings.
- Lower heat generation and power consumption versus other THz generation methods, easing application development.
- Compatible with tools such as Digilent’s Analog Discovery 3™ (plus a computer and software) for straightforward oscillation and detection evaluation.
- Continues availability of 1st Generation devices for applications prioritising low power consumption.
Applications
- Non-destructive testing
- Imaging and sensing in medical and healthcare sectors
- Material identification
- Moisture detection
- High-resolution radar sensing
- Broader sensing and imaging applications requiring high signal quality
Availability
The RTD-EVK-G2 evaluation kit is scheduled to go on sale. Purchase of the evaluation kit requires customers to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) with ROHM. Interested companies and research institutions are instructed to contact a ROHM sales representative or use ROHM's official inquiry channel. ROHM also plans to continue offering the first-generation device for applications where lower power consumption is a higher priority than maximum output power.
