Data traffic densities of several Tbps/km2 are already predicted for 5G networks. To service a fully mobile and connected society networks beyond 5G must undergo tremendous growth in connectivity, data traffic density and volume as well as the required multi-level ultra-densification. The ThoR project will provide technical solutions for the backhauling/fronthauling of this traffic. The ThoR consortium brings together the leading Japanese and European players from industry, R&D and academia, whose prior work defines the state-of-the-art in high data rate long range point-to-point THz links. This team has been instrumental in defining and implementing the new IEEE 802.15.3d Standard “100 Gbps Wireless Switched Point-to-Point Physical Layer.” ThoR’s technical concept builds on this standard, in a striking and innovative combination using state-of-the-art chip sets and modems operating in the standardized 60 and 70 GHz bands, which are aggregated on a bit-transparent high performance 300 GHz RF wireless link offering >100 Gbps real-time data rate capacity. ThoR will apply European and Japanese state-of-the-art photonic and electronic technologies to build an ultra-high bandwidth, high dynamic range transceiver operating at 300 GHz combined with state-of-the-art digital signal processing units in two world-first demonstrations: a)>100 Gbps P2P link over 1 km at 300 GHz using pseudo data in indoor and outdoor controlled environments b)>40 Gbps P2P link over 1 km at 300 GHz using emulated real data in a live operational communication network.This will require specific THz PHY technology advances (KETs) in photomixers, amplifiers including Travelling Wave Tube amplifiers, receivers, upconverters and channel aggregation. The success of ThoR will represent the first operational use of THz frequencies in ICT and this influential and powerful consortium will directly influence and shape the frequency regulation activities beyond 275 GHz through agenda item 1.15 of WRC 2019.

Air pollution is one of the largest risk factors for premature death, yet current portable monitoring technology cannot provide adequate protection at a local community level. • TRIAGE will develop a smart, compact and cost-effective air quality sensor network for the hyperspectral detection of all relevant atmospheric pollution gases • Resolution and selectivity are two orders of magnitude better than current solutions for lower cost • Cloud-based, deep-learning algorithms enable automated short-term alerts and long-term trend analysis • Community-based testing is agreed with Swedish and Swiss environmental agencies and transport companies The sensor is based on an innovative, mid-IR supercontinuum laser providing ultra-bright emission from 2-10 µm in the infrared “fingerprint region.” The latest spectroscopic technology, including novel multi-pass cell and detectors, enables real-time detection of all major harmful gaseous components of air pollution with high sensitivity and selectivity, at levels far below the Immediate Danger to Life and Health (IDLH) concentrations. Precision multi-gas detection allows studies of synergistic effects from combinations of gases for the first time. In-built chemometric analysis and cloud connection will feed deep-learning algorithms and data storage to enable analysis ranging from long-term trends in air pollution to urgent local alerts. This smart photonic approach enables pervasive community-based sensing, allowing inventories of emitted pollutants and identification of pollution hotspots. Agreements with local authorities in Stockholm and Neuchâtel for distributed pollution monitoring from municipal buildings and with local bus companies in Sweden and Switzerland for mobile validation are in place. A comprehensive advisory board, TRIAGE-NET, ensures participation from end-users, large industrial players, environment agencies and local public communities. Outline business cases for commercialization are provided.