ROHM has developed a 2nd Generation THz wave oscillation device based on Resonant Tunneling Diodes (RTDs), and will make it available through the RTD-EVK-G2 Terahertz Wave Device Evaluation Kit.
The kit includes a sample device, cable and evaluation board, giving companies and research institutions a compact way to evaluate terahertz wave oscillation and detection.
Terahertz waves sit between radio waves and light on the electromagnetic spectrum, combining the penetration of radio waves with the straight-line travel of light. Because they also have unique absorption characteristics for materials such as polymers and moisture, they are seen as promising for non-destructive testing, medical and healthcare applications, and high-resolution radar sensing.
Even so, conventional terahertz systems tend to be bulky and expensive, which has made it difficult for new entrants and research groups to explore the field or move toward commercialization.
To help address that challenge, ROHM has been working since the late 2000s with the Institute of Science Tokyo, Osaka University and other universities and research institutions on THz oscillation and detection devices using RTDs.
In 2024, the company began offering samples of its first-generation products, which significantly reduced size and cost compared with conventional approaches. ROHM says the new second-generation device has been developed to meet growing demand for better signal quality in application development.
The latest device keeps the same 0.5 x 0.5 mm chip size as the first-generation version, but uses an internal structure designed to deliver higher output power.
ROHM says output of 2nd Generation THz wave oscillation device has increased to about four times the first-generation device, reaching a maximum of 40 µW. That boost is expected to improve the detectability of THz waves after transmission through or reflection from target objects, making the device better suited for sensing and imaging applications that require stronger signals.
The device is also packaged in the same 4.0 x 4.3 mm PLCC format, which the company says remains the industry’s smallest footprint. That should make it easier to build evaluation setups even in space-constrained environments.
ROHM also notes that, compared with other THz generation methods, the RTD approach generates less heat and uses less power, easing development work for companies and research institutions.
Sales of the RTD-EVK-G2 evaluation kit are scheduled to begin in August 2026 at $3,300 per set, excluding tax. ROHM says the lower-cost kit will support development across a range of applications, including non-destructive testing, medical and healthcare imaging and sensing, material identification and moisture detection.
The company will continue selling first-generation devices for applications where lower power consumption is the priority.
ROHM said it will keep working to broaden THz application development and help speed up commercialization and real-world use of terahertz technology across industries.
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Purchase of the evaluation kit requires signing a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) with ROHM.
Supporting Comments
Professor Safumi Suzuki, Laboratory for Future Interdisciplinary Research of Science and Technology, Institute of Integrated Research, Institute of Science Tokyo
“Terahertz waves are expected to be applied in a wide range of fields, including non-destructive testing, imaging and sensing, and wireless communications. At the same time, commercialization continues to face major challenges, such as the need for large-scale equipment and high implementation costs.
The RTD terahertz wave device developed through many years of joint research with ROHM is compact, power saving, and does not require cooling. It can also be introduced at low cost, helping companies and research institutions begin terahertz wave research.
With the launch of the 2nd Generation device featuring significantly improved oscillation output, I expect development of applications requiring higher signal quality to accelerate.”
Ken Nakahara, General Manager of ROHM Research & Development Center, ROHM Co., Ltd.
“With the launch of RTD-EVK-G2, we expect to make another major step forward toward the practical implementation of terahertz technology.
Feedback from users of the 1st Generation device revealed strong demand for higher-output devices. With this 2nd Generation product, we have succeeded in increasing oscillation output to approximately 4 times that of the 1st Generation device while maintaining a compact size, bringing us closer to meeting those needs.
Terahertz technology is steadily progressing toward real-world implementation. ROHM will continue working together with customers, partners, universities, research institutions, and government agencies to support the development of terahertz wave applications and contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.”
