TRANSPIRE · Project

Tiny Magnetic Chips That Send Data at Terahertz Speeds to Close the THz Gap

digitalPrototypeTRL 3Thin data (2/5)

There's a gap in the radio spectrum — between microwaves and infrared light — called the "terahertz gap," where we don't have good, cheap transmitters. Imagine a nano-sized tuning fork made of special magnetic materials that vibrates at trillions of times per second and can send data at those frequencies. TRANSPIRE figured out how to build those tiny magnetic oscillators by using exotic ferrimagnets — metals where the internal magnetic forces naturally push vibrations into that terahertz sweet spot. The goal is to eventually put these on a chip, enabling everything from ultra-fast wireless data links to security scanners and medical imaging.

By the numbers

0.5 THz

Target resonance frequency for zero-field excitation

>50% TMR

DC tunnel magnetoresistance achieved in device

>60%

Spin polarization of deposited films

<0.5 nm

Interface roughness of films on high-Z metal

4 partners

Consortium members across 4 countries

Total project deliverables

The business problem

What needed solving

The terahertz frequency range — sitting between microwaves and infrared — is a technological dead zone. There are no affordable, compact, room-temperature devices that can generate or detect signals in this band. This blocks progress in ultra-fast wireless data links, non-invasive security screening, and medical imaging where terahertz waves could see what current technology cannot.

The solution

What was built

The team built proof-of-concept nano-scale magnetic oscillators using specially designed ferrimagnet films, demonstrating zero-field resonant excitation at frequencies of order 0.5 THz, tunnel magnetoresistance above 50%, and spin polarization above 60%. They also developed spin transport theory for ferrimagnet/normal-metal systems and integrated devices for measurement at the ELBE terahertz facility.

Audience

Who needs this

Semiconductor companies developing next-generation chip interconnectsSecurity equipment manufacturers building compact screening systemsMedical imaging companies exploring non-ionizing diagnostic toolsTelecommunications firms researching 6G and beyond-5G technologiesAtmospheric and geophysical research instrument makers

Business applications

Who can put this to work

Telecommunications & Data Centers

enterprise

Target: Semiconductor companies and data center operators seeking faster chip-to-chip communication

If you are a semiconductor firm or hyperscale data center operator dealing with bandwidth bottlenecks in chip-to-chip and on-chip data links — this project developed nano-scale magnetic oscillators that reach resonance frequencies of order 0.5 THz. That opens the door to wireless on-chip interconnects far beyond what current microwave technology allows, potentially eliminating wiring bottlenecks inside server racks.

Security & Screening

mid-size

Target: Airport security equipment manufacturers and border control technology providers

If you are a security equipment manufacturer struggling with the cost and bulk of current THz screening systems — TRANSPIRE demonstrated compact, room-temperature terahertz oscillators that could replace expensive laser-based THz sources. These nano-scale devices could make personal and substance screening systems smaller, cheaper, and deployable in more locations without specialized cooling.

Medical Devices & Imaging

enterprise

Target: Medical imaging and diagnostic equipment companies

If you are a medical device company exploring terahertz spectrometry and imaging for non-invasive diagnostics — this project built proof-of-concept spintronic devices achieving magnetoresistance ratios above 50% TMR. That sensitivity is key for detecting THz signals reflected from tissue, potentially enabling new imaging modalities that see through skin without ionizing radiation.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What would it cost to license or access this technology?

TRANSPIRE was a publicly funded FET-Open research project coordinated by Trinity College Dublin. Licensing terms would need to be negotiated directly with the consortium partners. As early-stage research, costs would likely involve co-development investment rather than off-the-shelf licensing fees.

Can this scale to industrial production?

The technology is based on thin-film deposition and nanofabrication — processes already used in semiconductor manufacturing. However, the project achieved proof-of-concept demonstrations (films with spin polarization above 60% on high-Z seed layers with interface roughness below 0.5 nm), not production-ready devices. Significant engineering work remains before volume manufacturing.

What intellectual property came out of this project?

The project produced 19 deliverables covering materials design, spin transport theory, and device integration. Key IP likely sits around the ferrimagnet material compositions and the spin-transfer torque excitation methods. Specific patent filings would need to be confirmed with the coordinator at Trinity College Dublin.

How does this compare to existing terahertz sources?

Current THz sources are typically large, expensive, and require cooling. TRANSPIRE's approach uses nano-scale magnetic oscillators that operate at room temperature and target frequencies of order 0.5 THz. Based on available project data, this could offer a dramatically smaller and cheaper alternative, though still at proof-of-concept stage.

What is the realistic timeline to a commercial product?

This is fundamental research from a FET-Open call, which funds high-risk exploratory science. The project demonstrated proof-of-concept spin-pumping from ferrimagnets and resonant excitation at 0.5 THz. Based on available project data, a commercial product is likely 8-12 years away, requiring multiple follow-on engineering projects.

Are there regulatory hurdles for terahertz devices?

Terahertz frequencies are not yet fully regulated in most jurisdictions, which is both an opportunity and a risk. Any commercial device would need to comply with electromagnetic emissions standards. Based on available project data, the power levels involved in nano-oscillators are extremely low, which should simplify regulatory approval.

Consortium

Who built it

TRANSPIRE is a compact 4-partner consortium spanning Ireland, Germany, Switzerland, and Norway — all countries with strong track records in advanced materials and physics research. The coordinator is Trinity College Dublin, a leading European university. With 2 universities, 1 research organization, and 1 industry partner (25% industry ratio), this is a research-heavy team. The single industry partner signals some commercial awareness, but the lack of SMEs and the FET-Open funding type confirm this is exploratory science, not near-market development. A business partner looking to commercialize would need to bring significant engineering and manufacturing capability to the table.

THE PROVOST, FELLOWS, FOUNDATION SCHOLARS & THE OTHER MEMBERS OF BOARD, OF THE COLLEGE OF THE HOLY & UNDIVIDED TRINITY OF QUEEN ELIZABETH NEAR DUBLINCoordinator · IE
NORGES TEKNISK-NATURVITENSKAPELIGE UNIVERSITET NTNUparticipant · NO
HELMHOLTZ-ZENTRUM DRESDEN-ROSSENDORF EVparticipant · DE

How to reach the team

The coordinator is Trinity College Dublin (Ireland). Contact through the university's technology transfer office for licensing inquiries.

Order a report on this consortium See THE PROVOST, FELLOWS, FOUNDATION SCHOLARS & THE OTHER MEMBERS OF BOARD, OF THE COLLEGE OF THE HOLY & UNDIVIDED TRINITY OF QUEEN ELIZABETH NEAR DUBLIN profile →

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Want to explore how terahertz spintronic technology could solve your data transfer or screening challenges? SciTransfer can connect you with the TRANSPIRE research team and help assess fit for your specific use case.

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