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Review on 6G-oriented terahertz communication channel

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CONF-MSS 2023 IOP Publishing
Journal of Physics: Conference Series 2649 (2023) 012053 doi:10.1088/1742-6596/2649/1/012053

Review on 6G-oriented terahertz communication channel

Yiwei Pang
Faculty of Information Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing,
100021, China

pangsanyue@163.com

Abstract. With the large-scale commercialization of 5G mobile communication systems in the

world, 6G technology is becoming a new hotspot of global information technology research. The
terahertz band (300GHz to 3THz) has extremely rich frequency resources, which can support
ultra-high speed wireless communication from 100Gbps to 1Tbps, improve the existing 5G peak
transmission rate by one or two orders of magnitude, and meet the requirements of new
applications such as ultra-high resolution holographic communication and meta-universe. An in-
depth understanding of the propagation channel is crucial to the design of the communication
system. This paper summarizes the research status of the terahertz channel, including its
characteristics in the atmosphere, the current channel propagation model, and terahertz channel
measurement. At the same time, the future research direction of terahertz communication is
analyzed and prospected, and the possible challenges in the future research are discussed, which
will help promote the application of terahertz communication technology to 6G communication.
Due to technical limitations, terahertz channels have not been fully developed and utilized in the
field of communication, and there are many technical bottlenecks that cannot be broken. In the
future, new channel models may be built, and there will be opportunities for AI-assisted channel
measurement.

Keywords: terahertz communication, 6G, terahertz channel measurement, terahertz channel

modeling, terahertz channel characterization.

1. Introduction
A new generation of wireless communication systems will be produced every two decades, starting with
the first generation of mobile communication technology (1G) in the 1980s and ending with the fifth
generation of mobile communication technology (5G) today. With the continuous upgrading of mobile
communication technology, wireless network performance such as data transmission rate,
communication quality, and network delay, will also continue to improve. Terahertz communication is
generally regarded as the core component of the future 6G mobile communication system. China and
other advanced countries in the field of mobile communication, such as the United States, Europe, and
Japan, are making efforts to implement 6G technology. According to the Horizon Europe plan, 6G
terahertz communication technology was developed in the European Union in 2017. In 2019, the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) of the United States opened the 95 GHz to 3 THz frequency band
for future mobile communication applications, and formulated relevant plans for the construction of a
terahertz broadband wireless communication backbone network. This study makes a detailed summary
of the research status of terahertz, including Terahertz channel characteristics in the atmosphere,

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CONF-MSS 2023 IOP Publishing
Journal of Physics: Conference Series 2649 (2023) 012053 doi:10.1088/1742-6596/2649/1/012053

terahertz channel propagation model and terahertz channel measurement. This paper looks forward to
the feasible direction of terahertz communication in the future and enriches the understanding of
terahertz channel, which is very helpful for the future terahertz channel modeling and the design of
communication systems.

2. Terahertz channel characteristics in the atmosphere

2.1. Terahertz atmospheric absorption attenuation

The absorption attenuation of atmospheric molecules is caused by the absorption of electromagnetic
wave energy by molecules in the atmosphere. Part of the excited molecules in the atmospheric molecules
vibrate at a certain frequency and resonate with the electromagnetic wave. Part of the electrons undergo
energy level transitions, and the energy of the electromagnetic wave is transformed into the kinetic
energy of the molecules, that is, the energy of the electromagnetic wave is lost [1].
To determine THz atmospheric absorption and attenuation, International Radio Consultative
Committee (CCIR) suggests using the condensed formula for atmospheric absorption at sea level. Water
vapor density, temperature, and pressure are required as inputs for the THz atmospheric absorption
attenuation model, according the International Telecommunication Union Radiocommunication Sector
(ITU-R) P.676-9 recommendation. The absorption loss of atmospheric molecular absorption attenuation
(unit: dB/km) can be expressed as formula (1).
𝛾𝛾(𝑎𝑎) (𝑓𝑓) = 𝛾𝛾𝑜𝑜 (𝑓𝑓) + 𝛾𝛾𝑤𝑤 (𝑓𝑓) (1)
Where 𝛾𝛾𝑜𝑜 is the absorption attenuation of oxygen molecules under dry air conditions, 𝛾𝛾𝑤𝑤 is the
characteristic attenuation of water vapor molecules in the atmospheric environment. Both values are
related to frequency 𝑓𝑓, in dB/km.

2.2. Terahertz atmospheric scattering attenuation

In order to use terahertz electromagnetic waves in future 6G communication, it is crucial to contemplate
the scattering effect of meteorological particles such as fog, rain and snow in the actual communication
environment. When a terahertz electromagnetic wave meets suspended particles during transmission, its
energy will be scattered outside the propagation path, resulting in attenuation of the wave energy.
Fog, also known as clouds blocked by the ground, has a similar micro-physical structure to clouds
and is found in areas with high water vapor content, such as mountains and beaches. According to
Recommendation ITU-R P.840-7, the Rayleigh approximation is used to calculate cloud attenuation for
particles of such small size as clouds.
𝛾𝛾𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 (𝑓𝑓, 𝑇𝑇) = 𝐾𝐾𝑙𝑙 (𝑓𝑓, 𝑇𝑇)𝑀𝑀 (2)
Where 𝐾𝐾𝑙𝑙 (𝑓𝑓, 𝑇𝑇) is the attenuation coefficient of the liquid water ratio; 𝑀𝑀 is the density of liquid water;
𝑓𝑓 is the operating frequency, in GHz; 𝑇𝑇 is the temperature of liquid water, in 𝐾𝐾.
In a medium that contains raindrops, the attenuation of terahertz electromagnetic wave propagation
is proportional to the amount of precipitation. In Recommendation ITU-R P.838-3, for a given
precipitation rate R (unit: mm/h), no matter whether the rainfall is large or small, the attenuation caused
by rainfall will increase exponentially. This attenuation model (unit: dB/km) can be expressed as
formula (3)
𝛾𝛾𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 = 𝑘𝑘(𝑅𝑅)𝛼𝛼 (3)
where 𝑘𝑘 and 𝛼𝛼 is a function of operating frequencies from 1 GHz to 1 THz, which are also affected
by parameters such as temperature, polarization mode, and height.
There is no relevant recommendation of ITU-R to provide a model for predicting snow failure
because there is little research on the path loss caused by snowfall. Since the size of snowflakes is
equivalent to the wavelength of terahertz, F. Norouziari et al. point out that, under the same precipitation
rate, the attenuation caused by snowfall is 3 times that of rainfall [2].

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CONF-MSS 2023 IOP Publishing
Journal of Physics: Conference Series 2649 (2023) 012053 doi:10.1088/1742-6596/2649/1/012053

3. Terahertz channel modeling

3.1. Deterministic channel modeling

According to current application scenarios, a wireless channel model is created using the deterministic
channel modeling method based on an analysis of optical and electromagnetic propagation theory. Its
benefits include not requiring real measurement, but its drawbacks include the need for extremely
specific application scenario data and considerable computational complexity [3]. In particular, two
typical approaches are Ray Tracing (RT) and Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) for deterministic
channel modeling.
The RT approach uses geometric optics and the high-frequency approximation of Maxwell's
equations to simulate the movement of electromagnetic waves. To be more specific, the ray tracing
method models the channel between the transceiver based on geometric optics, geometric diffraction
theory, uniform diffraction theory, and Kirchhoff theory after first determining the position of the
transceiver [4].
The FDTD method is a numerical analysis method that can solves Maxwell's equations directly. The
magnetic and electric fields are alternately sampled in the time and spatial domains to achieve FDTD.
This ensures that each magnetic field sampling point is surrounded by six electric field sampling points,
and vice versa. Through the central difference method, the Maxwell equation is discretized for later
calculation [5].

3.2. Statistical channel modeling

Statistical channel modeling uses a measurement platform to conduct actual measurements in
application scenarios, adjusting actual data to obtain the empirical distribution and statistical
characteristics of each channel parameter. Finally, the channel is reconstructed based on statistical
characteristics.
Non Geometric Stochastic Channel Model (NGSM), known as the Parameter Stochastic Model
(PSM), is a purely random model. Regardless of the actual propagation environment, they establish a
probability distribution function to characterize and calculate parameters like the Direction of Departure
(DoD), Direction of Arrival (DoA), and latency. Because of its straightforward structure and cheap
computing complexity, NGSM is widely utilized in channel modeling, according to Li Yuanbo [4].
However, it is difficult for them to describe the complex relationship between parameters, especially
spatial consistency, and the relationship between DoD, DoA, and time variation of delay as the device
moves farther.

4. Terahertz channel measurement

4.1. Channel sounders

Terahertz channel measurement can be roughly divided as two methods: time range measurement and
frequency range measurement, corresponding to two types of channel sounders. The time range channel
sounder is constructed using the Time Domain Correlation (TDC) or the Time Domain Spectroscopy
(TDS) methods. On the other hand, the frequency range channel sounder is constructed utilizing a Vector
Network Analyzer (VNA) [6].

4.2. Channel measurement based on TDC method

Measurement based on the TDC method is not only widely used for indoor activities, but also for many
outdoor scenes. According to A. Molisch, the TDC-based sounders are based on the idea of transmitting
signals from the transmitters [7]. The autocorrelation of the signal is an approximation of the Dirac Delta
function [6]. Therefore, if the signal 𝑠𝑠(𝜏𝜏) is transmitted through a channel with impulse response ℎ(𝑡𝑡, 𝜏𝜏),
the received signal 𝑦𝑦�𝑡𝑡 ′ , 𝜏𝜏�at a specific instant of time 𝑡𝑡 ′ can be obtained by formula (4).
𝑦𝑦�𝑡𝑡 ′ , 𝜏𝜏� = 𝑠𝑠(𝜏𝜏)∗ ℎ�𝑡𝑡 ′ , 𝜏𝜏� (4)
Where 𝜏𝜏 represents the delay, and ‘*’ represents the convolution of the independent variable.

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Journal of Physics: Conference Series 2649 (2023) 012053 doi:10.1088/1742-6596/2649/1/012053

A hybrid channel identification method that combines correlation modes and real-time spectrum
diffusion modes was proposed by George R. MacCartney and T. Rapport [8]. The detection supports
propagation delay measurement and multi-path component identification, and the delay resolution of
each mode is 2ns. The correlation mode specifically supports measuring long-distance parameters, such
as deceleration and angular dispersion, with a loss of propagation path up to 185dB. On the other hand,
the spread spectrum mode is more suitable for measuring short-range and small-scale time parameters,
as well as the Doppler body block with a dynamic range of 40dB.

4.3. Channel measurement based on TDS method

According to Anirban Ghosh and Minseok Kim, using a TDS-based channel sounder for channel
measurement has many advantages, such as a large extended bandwidth and a high channel acquisition
speed [9]. However, this kind of sounder also has the disadvantage of low power output, which makes
its measuring distance very limited. To sum up, the sounder based on the TDS method is the first choice
for studying the reflection properties of different materials, scattering through objects in regular
environments, developing interference models with high node density, or studying the effects of weather
on THz communication.
For purpose of correctly model the propagation environment to support indoor terahertz
microcellular communication, it is essential to have a well-rounded understanding of the impact of
reflectivity on conventional materials used in a ordinary indoor circumstance. In order to investigate the
impacts of frequency-dependent reflectivity and incident angle of layered building materials like white
paint and gypsum on double-glazed windows with frequencies between 100 and 500 GHz, Christian
Jansen et al. used a TDS-based sounder [9].

4.4. Channel measurement based on VNA

VNA is the sub-channel narrowband's contrast transfer function (CTF), which is sequentially measured
in the frequency domain. The CTF of the entire communication bandwidth is the collection of all sub-
narrowband CTFs; Then carry out inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) to obtain the corresponding
channel impulse response CIR [10].
Due to the simple operation and low learning cost of VNA, VNA-based methods are widely used in
terahertz channel measurement. However, this method also has some disadvantages, such as low output
power. Moreover, it usually takes a long time for a frequency-sweep, which limits its use in dynamic
scenarios. Furthermore, transmitter (Tx) and receiver (Rx) must be connected to the identical VNA by
cable. The high attenuation of the THz signal in the cable significantly limits the distance between Tx
and Rx. Therefore, voice equipment based on VNA THz channel is usually only applicable to short-
range static THz channel [11].
Yi Haofan's team proposed a two-port calibration method: the short−open−load−thru (SOLT)
calibration method, which is used for the whole measurement system, including the waveguide, spread
spectrum module, cable, and VNA itself [10]. This method is widely used, easy to master, suitable for
most applications, and can provide excellent accuracy and repeatability.

5. Conclusion
This paper summarizes the current research from three aspects: terahertz channel characteristics,
modeling and measurement, and concludes that terahertz atmospheric absorption attenuation and
atmospheric scattering attenuation under three scenarios of fog, rain, and snow will have a significant
impact on terahertz communication, and the resulting losses can be calculated by the corresponding
formula. The three channel modeling methods RT, FDTD, and NGSM, are suitable for real-life scenarios
and have potential to be applied to future 6G mobile communications. Finally, most of the channel
measurements used in existing research work are based on TDC, TDS methods, or VNA and are all
done in a static manner. This paper does not propose a better terahertz channel modeling and
measurement method, which has certain shortcomings. Looking ahead to future terahertz channel
research, several challenging issues await resolution. Firstly, the research on path loss caused by

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CONF-MSS 2023 IOP Publishing
Journal of Physics: Conference Series 2649 (2023) 012053 doi:10.1088/1742-6596/2649/1/012053

snowfall is relatively scarce. Secondly, whether a new channel model is needed. In the meantime, it may
be possible to consider using artificial intelligence to accomplish channel measurement and establish
new channel sounders in the future.

References
[1] Siles, G.A., Riera, J.M., & Garcia-del-Pino, P. (2015). Atmospheric Attenuation in Wireless
Communication Systems at Millimeter and THz Frequencies [Wireless Corner]. IEEE
Antennas and Propagation Magazine, 57, 48-61.
[2] F. Norouziari et al., "Low-THz Wave Snow Attenuation," 2018 International Conference on
Radar (RADAR), Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 2018, pp. 1-4, doi: 10.1109/RADAR.
2018.8557275.
[3] Tian Haoyu, Tang Pan&Zhang Jianhua (2020). Overview of research on 6G oriented terahertz
channel characteristics and modeling Mobile Communications (06), 29-35+43.
[4] Li Yuanbo, Wang Yiqin&Han Chong (2022). Measurement, modeling, and analysis of terahertz
wireless channels Information and Communication Technology and Policy (09), 34-49.
[5] Zhao, Y., Hao, Y., & Parini, C.G. (2007). FDTD Characterization of UWB Indoor Radio Channel
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[6] A. Ghosh and M. Kim, "THz Channel Sounding and Modeling Techniques: An Overview," in
IEEE Access, vol. 11, pp. 17823-17856, 2023, doi: 10.1109/ACCESS.2023.3246161.
[7] A. Molisch, Wireless Communications. Hoboken, NJ, USA: Wiley, 2011.
[8] MacCartney, G.R., & Rappaport, T.T. (2017). A Flexible Millimeter-Wave Channel Sounder
With Absolute Timing. IEEE Journal on Selected Areas in Communications, 35, 1402-1418.
[9] Jansen, C., Piesiewicz, R., Mittleman, D.M., Kurner, T., & Koch, M. (2008). The Impact of
Reflections From Stratified Building Materials on the Wave Propagation in Future Indoor
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[10] Yi Haofan, Guan Ke, He Danping, Ai Bo, Lai Zhengrong&Zhong Zhang (2022). Terahertz radio
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[11] Cai, X., Cheng, X., & Tufvesson, F. (2022). Toward 6G with Terahertz Communications:
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