Reviewing the Scope of THz Communication and a Technology Roadmap for Implementation
Md Hafizur Rahaman, Aparajita Bandyopadhyay, Surendra Pal, K. P. Ray
Abstract
As the communication industry is hurtling towards greater bandwidth and higher data-rate to satisfy the ever-increasing data demand; terahertz range of frequencies from 100 GHz to 3 THz are being investigated as a possible replacement of the conventional mm-wave technology. In this review, we have put forward a detailed analysis of the applicability of this aforementioned THz range in different link lengths, with experimental validation of THz loss number over the frequency range of interest, quantitative estimation of link budget of a typical THz communication system based on the calculated loss number and have provided several insightful THz technology information charts relevant for THz communication application. Our study shows, that, considering the current and foreseeable future technology scale and in spite of unsurmountable problem of high atmospheric attenuation, THz range is best suited for short-range to very-short-range communication where the challenges of THz frequencies would actually impart greater advantages with specific source-receiver combination and propagation scheme. We have also identified several possible modalities of THz communication links in this short range; especially, in the areas of strategic and tactical communication. In conclusion, we have presented a collection of technology recommendations towards product development required for initiation and advancement of THz communication in India.