Scientific manager of the project: tenur professor Xiaodan Pang, Riga Technical University (RTU). The interdisciplinary project ‘Photonic-supported next generation terahertz hybrid advanced radar sensing and communication’ (PANTHERS) focuses on the development of the information and communication technology (ICT) industry, as well as the photonics and smart materials, technologies and engineering systems industry, developing innovative terahertz (THz) systems for high speed communications and high resolution sensitivity. Objective of the project: The aim of the PANTHERS project is to develop and develop a unified photonic-supported terahertz system capable of simultaneously providing high-speed wireless communication and high-definition radar sensing. The project will address the challenges of THz signal generation, beamforming and multiplexing, thus creating a next generation platform for both communication and sensing applications. Main project activities (Work Packages – WP): WP1: System design and theoretical modeling Development of a unified THz system architecture that combines photonics-supported signal generation and beam formation. WP2: Development and testing of the subsystem Development of key components, including THz signal generating unit and beamforming/multiplexing modules. WP3: System integration and experimental development Subsystem integration and experimental validation for both communication and sensing, THz Photonics Integrated Circuit (PIC) development and characterization, concept performance testing WP4: Protection of technology rights Protection of technology rights when filing a patent application. WP5: Dissemination of project knowledge and technology transfer Publication of results in industry-recognised scientific journals, participation in conferences, involvement of industry and society, conclusion of an intellectual property (IP) license agreement. WP6: Measures to ensure communication and visual identity requirements Involvement of the public and information about project results that are not protected by intellectual property rights. The Work Packages (WPs) are broken down according to the classification of activities as defined by the CFCA (see Activities) as follows: (1) Feasibility studies: this category of research is not applicable to this project. (2) Research involving at least one of the following research categories: fundamental research, industrial research; experimental development — WP1, WP2, WP3 3) Acquisition, validation and protection of technology rights (intangible assets) resulting from the research carried out — WP4 4) Dissemination of knowledge generated during the project in the form of training, publications or knowledge and technology transfer — WP5 5) Measures to ensure communication and visual identity requirements — WP6 Planned results. The PANTHERS project will produce the following key results (indicators): 1) An operational prototype of a photonics-supported THz system that provides both communication and radar sensing (new technology) 2) Six (6) high-impact scientific articles in international journals (SCOPUS Q1/Q2) and full text conference materials 3) Patent application and conclusion of an intellectual property license agreement 4) Set of public engagement and information measures for the general public 5) Increased innovation capacity in the Latvian ICT sector, promoting smart growth goals of the Smart Specialisation Strategy (RIS3) in the fields of ICT, photonics and smart materials. The project will improve Latvia's technological competitiveness in THz technologies, promoting further progress in such sectors as telecommunications, security and health care. By promoting advanced THz communication and sensitivity technologies, the project will have a significant impact on future wireless communication and radar applications. As described above, it is clear that the objective and planned activities of the proposed project support practical orientation and cooperation research, including interdisciplinary research, and are in line with the Latvian Smart Specialisation Strategy (RIS3) economic transformation direction 3 "Sectors with significant horizontal impact and contribution to economic transformation" in the following areas of RIS3 smart specialisation: 1) Information and communication technologies; 2) Photonics and smart materials, technologies and engineering systems. The expected results of the project will promote not only RIS3 areas, but also growth priorities (directions for the transformation of the national economy), supporting the transformation of the ICT sector and other growth areas, introducing new technologies in photonics and THz applications. The investment of the project will also have a positive impact on directly related sectors, such as telecommunications, defence and health care, supporting the development of knowledge and skills in both personal and national growth, as set out in the National Development Plan of
