A Channel Loss Model for THz Networks From 100–600 GHz Considering Both Molecular and Water Vapor Continuum Absorptions

Abstract

6G networks are expected to use the terahertz (THz) frequency spectrum in some way. However, relatively little is known about the transmission channel in this part of the spectrum. In this article, we propose a novel and accurate channel loss model that considers both molecular and water vapor continuum absorptions for THz networks based on the frequency range between 100 GHz and 600 GHz. The proposed channel model assumes that the atmospheric absorption is accurately accounted for by the molecular absorption coefficient and the water vapor continuum absorption coefficient. The new model is based on equations developed to accurately match the channel response given by a spectroscopic database. This makes the channel model robust and useful for evaluating the performance of THz networks. The model is validated against a spectroscopic database defined as a benchmark. The performance of the new channel loss model is evaluated against different models, including several error metrics. Numerical results show the new channel model is as accurate as the spectroscopic database by correctly reproducing the provided experimental dataset. Therefore, the proposed channel model is a reliable, robust and simple tool that can be successfully used to carry out performance evaluation of THz networks with accuracy.

Keywords

• Absorption loss
• channel model
• THz
• 6G
• water vapor continuum absorption