Penetrating 3-D Imaging at 4- and 25-m Range Using a Submillimeter-Wave Radar

We show experimentally that a high-resolution imaging radar operating at 576–605 GHz is capable of detecting weapons concealed by clothing at standoff ranges of 4–25 m. We also demonstrate the critical advantage of 3-D image reconstruction for visualizing hidden objects using active-illumination coherent terahertz imaging. The present system can image a torso with <1 cm resolution at 4 m standoff in about five minutes. Greater standoff distances and much higher frame rates should be achievable by capitalizing on the bandwidth, output power, and compactness of solid state Schottky-diode based terahertz mixers and multiplied sources

A Holistic Investigation on Terahertz Propagation and Channel Modeling Toward Vertical Heterogeneous Networks

User-centric and low latency communications can be enabled not only by small cells but also through ubiquitous connectivity. Recently, the vertical heterogeneous network (V-HetNet) architecture is proposed to backhaul/fronthaul a large number of small cells. Like an orchestra, the V-HetNet is a polyphony of different communication ensembles, including geostationary orbit (GEO), and low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites (e.g., CubeSats), and networked flying platforms (NFPs) along with terrestrial communication links. In this study, we propose the Terahertz (THz) communications to enable the elements of V-HetNets to function in harmony. As THz links offer a large bandwidth, leading to ultra-high data rates, it is suitable for backhauling and fronthauling small cells. Furthermore, THz communications can support numerous applications from inter-satellite links to in-vivo nanonetworks. However, to savor this harmony, we need accurate channel models. In this paper, the insights obtained through our measurement campaigns are highlighted, to reveal the true potential of THz communications in V-HetNets.Comment: It has been accepted for the publication in IEEE Communications Magazin

Terahertz wireless communication through atmospheric atmospheric turbulence and rain

This dissertation focusses on terahertz (THz) wireless communication technology in different weather conditions. The performance of the communication links is mainly studied under propagation through atmospheric turbulence and rain. However, as real outdoor weather conditions are temporally and spatially varying, it is difficult to obtain reproducible atmospheric conditions to verify results of independent measurements making it a challenge to measure and analyze the impact of outdoor atmospheric weather on communication links. Consequently, dedicated indoor weather chambers are designed to produce controllable weather conditions to emulate the real outdoor weather as closely as possible. To emulate turbulent air conditions, an enclosed chamber is developed into which air with controllable airspeeds and temperatures are introduced to generate a variety of atmospheric turbulence for beam propagation. To emulate varying rain conditions, an enclosed chamber is built in which pressurized air forces drops of water through an array of 30 gauge needles. In order to study and compare propagation features of THz links with infrared (IR) links under identical weather conditions, a THz and IR communications lab setup with a maximum data rate of 2.5 Gb/s at 625 GHz carrier frequency and 1.5 μm wavelength, are developed. A usual non return-to-zero (NRZ) format is applied to modulate the IR channel but a duobinary coding technique is used for driving the multiplier chain-based 625 GHz source, which enables signaling at high data rate and higher output power. The power and bit-error rate (BER) on the receiver side are measured, which can be used to analyze the signal performance. To analyze the phase change in the turbulence chamber due to the refractive index change induced by turbulence, a Mach-Zehnder Interferometer with He-Ne laser at 632.8nm is developed. In the same weather conditions, the impact on THz in comparison with IR link is not equivalent due to the spectral dependence on atmospheric turbulence and rain. In the experiment, after THz (625 GHz) and IR (1.5 μm) beams propagate through the same condition, performance of both channels is analyzed and compared. Kolmogrov theory is employed to simulate the atmospheric turbulence which leads to attenuation of THz and IR signals. Mie scattering theory is employed to simulate the attenuation of THz and IR beams due to rain. Under identical turbulence conditions, THz links are superior to IR links. However, the performance of THz and IR links are comparable under identical rain conditions

Terahertz wireless communication

The goal of this thesis is to explore Terahertz (THz) wireless communication technology. More specifically the objective is to develop and characterize several THz communication systems and study the effect of atmosphere propagation through fog droplets and dust particles on THz communications. For demonstration, a THz continuous wave (CW) photomixing system is designed. Terahertz signals are phase encoded with both analog ramp signals and pseudorandom binary data, transmitted over a short distance, and detected. The limitation of transmission bandwidth, low single to noise ratio, vibration effects are also analyzed. In order to study and compare propagation features of THz links with infrared (IR) links under different weather conditions, a THz and IR communications lab setup with a maximum data rate of 2.5 Gb/s at 625 GHz carrier frequency and 1.5 gm wavelength, have been developed respectively. A usual non return-to-zero (NRZ) format is applied to modulate the IR channel but a duobinary coding technique is used for driving the multiplier chain-based 625 GHz source, which enables signaling at high data rate and higher output power. The bit-error rate (BER), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and power on the receiver side have been measured, which describe the signal performance. Since weather conditions such as fog and dust exhibit a spectral dependence in the atmospheric attenuation, the corresponding impact on THz in comparison with IR communications is not equivalent. Simulation results of attenuation by fog and dust in the millimeter and sub-millimeter waveband (from 0.1 to 1 THz) and infrared waveband (1.5 µm) are presented and compared. Experimentally, after THz and IR beams propagated through the same weather conditions (fog), performance of both channels are analyzed and compared. The attenuation levels for the IR beam are typically several orders of magnitude higher than those for the THz beam. Mie scattering theory was used to study the attenuation of THz and IR radiation due to the dust particle. Different amounts of dust are loaded in the chamber to generate a variety of concentration for beam propagation. As the dust loading becomes heavier, the measured attenuation becomes more severe. Under identical dust concentrations, IR wavelengths are strongly attenuated while THz shows almost no impact

Terahertz Communications and Sensing for 6G and Beyond: A Comprehensive View

The next-generation wireless technologies, commonly referred to as the sixth generation (6G), are envisioned to support extreme communications capacity and in particular disruption in the network sensing capabilities. The terahertz (THz) band is one potential enabler for those due to the enormous unused frequency bands and the high spatial resolution enabled by both short wavelengths and bandwidths. Different from earlier surveys, this paper presents a comprehensive treatment and technology survey on THz communications and sensing in terms of the advantages, applications, propagation characterization, channel modeling, measurement campaigns, antennas, transceiver devices, beamforming, networking, the integration of communications and sensing, and experimental testbeds. Starting from the motivation and use cases, we survey the development and historical perspective of THz communications and sensing with the anticipated 6G requirements. We explore the radio propagation, channel modeling, and measurements for THz band. The transceiver requirements, architectures, technological challenges, and approaches together with means to compensate for the high propagation losses by appropriate antenna and beamforming solutions. We survey also several system technologies required by or beneficial for THz systems. The synergistic design of sensing and communications is explored with depth. Practical trials, demonstrations, and experiments are also summarized. The paper gives a holistic view of the current state of the art and highlights the issues and challenges that are open for further research towards 6G.Comment: 55 pages, 10 figures, 8 tables, submitted to IEEE Communications Surveys & Tutorial

Atmospheric Attenuation of the Terahertz Wireless Networks

The increase of data traffic, a demand for high-speed reliable mobile networks and congested frequency bands raised both technological and regulatory challenges. Therefore, the fifth-generation mobile network (5G) is being developed. Recently, researchers have focused on a very promising terahertz (THz) band (frequencies from 100 GHz to 30 THz), which will allow fast transmission of huge amounts of data. However, transmission distance is limited due to atmospheric attenuation, as THz waves undergo significant absorption by water vapor and oxygen molecules in the atmosphere. Moreover, THz waves are very vulnerable by precipitation. Furthermore, the path of the propagating waves changes due to variations of the atmospheric refractive index. Nevertheless, the THz networks could be perfect candidates for fiber-to-THz bridges in difficult-to-access areas. The aim of this chapter is to present the possibilities and challenges of the THz networks from a point of view of atmospheric attenuation. The results show that simulations of the atmospheric attenuation using real-time data are a powerful tool that should complement technological basis, as it will help to foresee possible failures, extend transmission distance and improve reliability of the THz and other high-frequency broadband wireless networks

Terahertz-Enpowered Communications and Sensing in 6G Systems: Opportunities and Challenges

The current focus of academia and the telecommunications industry has been shifted to the development of the six-generation (6G) cellular technology, also formally referred to as IMT-2030. Unprecedented applications that 6G aims to accommodate demand extreme communications performance and, in addition, disruptive capabilities such as network sensing. Recently, there has been a surge of interest in terahertz (THz) frequencies as it offers not only massive spectral resources for communication but also distinct advantages in sensing, positioning, and imaging. The aim of this paper is to provide a brief outlook on opportunities opened by this under-exploited band and challenges that must be addressed to materialize the potential of THz-based communications and sensing in 6G systems.Comment: 2023 the 9th International Conference on Computer and Communications (ICCC). arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:2307.1032