6G Terahertz Channel Measurements and Modeling: Recent Developments and Future Challenges

WANG Jun; WANG Cheng-xiang; FENG Rui; LI Jun-ling

doi:10.12263/DZXB.20240600

您当前的位置：

首页 >

文章列表页 >

6G Terahertz Channel Measurements and Modeling: Recent Developments and Future Challenges

SURVEYS AND REVIEWS | 更新时间：2025-10-16

- 6G Terahertz Channel Measurements and Modeling: Recent Developments and Future Challenges
- ACTA ELECTRONICA SINICA Vol. 53, Issue 6, Pages: 2118-2130(2025)
- 作者机构：
  
  1.紫金山实验室，江苏南京 211111
  2.东南大学信息科学与工程学院移动通信全国重点实验室，江苏南京 211189
- 作者简介：
- 基金信息：
  
  National Key Research and Development Program(2023YFB2905604);National Natural Science Foundation of China(62301366)
- DOI：10.12263/DZXB.20240600
  CLC： TN928;
- Received：26 June 2024，
  
  Revised：2025-06-13，
  
  Published：25 June 2025
- 稿件说明：
移动端阅览
王俊, 王承祥, 冯瑞, 等. 6G太赫兹信道测量与建模：进展与挑战[J]. 电子学报, 2025, 53(06): 2118-2130.

WANG Jun, WANG Cheng-xiang, FENG Rui, et al. 6G Terahertz Channel Measurements and Modeling: Recent Developments and Future Challenges[J]. Acta Electronica Sinica, 2025, 53(06): 2118-2130.
王俊, 王承祥, 冯瑞, 等. 6G太赫兹信道测量与建模：进展与挑战[J]. 电子学报, 2025, 53(06): 2118-2130. DOI：10.12263/DZXB.20240600

WANG Jun, WANG Cheng-xiang, FENG Rui, et al. 6G Terahertz Channel Measurements and Modeling: Recent Developments and Future Challenges[J]. Acta Electronica Sinica, 2025, 53(06): 2118-2130. DOI：10.12263/DZXB.20240600

摘要

太赫兹通信是第六代（6G）移动通信的关键技术之一，可用带宽巨大，支持超高的传输速率，具有广阔的应用前景.太赫兹信道建模是太赫兹通信系统设计、仿真与优化的基础.太赫兹的信道研究主要分为信道测量、特性分析和信道建模几个方面.本文首先介绍了目前太赫兹信道测量主要使用的时域和频域测量方法，对当前开展的太赫兹信道测量进行总结，包括研究机构、测量场景、测量方法、天线配置与所测量的信道特性.接着，对太赫兹的传播特性进行了总结，包括太赫兹频段电磁波的传播机制、信道的大小尺度特性.然后，分别介绍不同的建模方法及其在太赫兹频段最新的研究进展.最后，针对太赫兹信道研究提出未来研究的挑战.

Abstract

Terahertz (THz) communication is one of the key technologies for the sixth generation (6G) of mobile communications

offering enormous bandwidth and supporting ultra-high transmission rates with broad application prospects. THz channel modeling is fundamental to the design

simulation

and optimization of THz communication systems. The research on THz channels mainly encompasses channel measurements

characteristic analysis

and channel modeling. In this paper

firstly

the time-domain and frequency-domain channel measurement methods are introduced. Some recent research activities are also summarized

including research institutions

measurement scenarios

methods

antenna configurations

and measured channel characteristics. Next

the propagation characteristics of THz waves are summarized

including the propagation mechanisms of electromagnetic waves in the THz band

the large- and small-scale parameters of the channel. Finally

prospective directions and challenges are outlined for future research in the THz channel

aiming to enhance the understanding and exploitation of this promising electromagnetic spectrum for 6G and beyond.

关键词

Keywords

references

AKYILDIZ I F , JORNET J M , HAN C . TeraNets: Ultra-broadband communication networks in the terahertz band [J ] . IEEE Wireless Communications , 2014 , 21 ( 4 ): 130 - 135 .

RIKKINEN K , KYOSTI P , LEINONEN M E , et al . THz radio communication: Link budget analysis toward 6G [J ] . IEEE Communications Magazine , 2020 , 58 ( 11 ): 22 - 27 .

ALSABAH M , NASER M A , MAHMMOD B M , et al . 6G wireless communications networks: A comprehensive survey [J ] . IEEE Access , 2021 , 9 : 148191 - 148243 .

WANG C X , YOU X H , GAO X Q , et al . On the road to 6G: Visions, requirements, key technologies, and testbeds [J ] . IEEE Communications Surveys Tutorials , 2023 , 25 ( 2 ): 905 - 974 .

JIANG W , HAN B , HABIBI M A , et al . The road towards 6G: A comprehensive survey [J ] . IEEE Open Journal of the Communications Society , 2021 , 2 : 334 - 366 .

WANG C X , WANG J , HU S M , et al . Key technologies in 6G terahertz wireless communication systems: A survey [J ] . IEEE Vehicular Technology Magazine , 2021 , 16 ( 4 ): 27 - 37 .

WANG C X , HUANG J , WANG H M , et al . 6G wireless channel measurements and models: Trends and challenges [J ] . IEEE Vehicular Technology Magazine , 2020 , 15 ( 4 ): 22 - 32 .

GHAFOOR S , BOUJNAH N , REHMANI M H , et al . MAC protocols for terahertz communication: A comprehensive survey [J ] . IEEE Communications Surveys Tutorials , 2020 , 22 ( 4 ): 2236 - 2282 .

3GPP TR 38.901. Study on channel model for frequencies from 0.5 to 100 GHz [S ] . 2018 .

HAN C , WANG Y Q , LI Y B , et al . Terahertz wireless channels: A holistic survey on measurement, modeling, and analysis [J ] . IEEE Communications Surveys Tutorials , 2022 , 24 ( 3 ): 1670 - 1707 .

GUAN K , YI H F , HE D P , et al . Towards 6G: Paradigm of realistic terahertz channel modeling [J ] . China Communications , 2021 , 18 ( 5 ): 1 - 18 .

TEKBIYIK K , EKTI A R , KURT G K , et al . A holistic investigation of terahertz propagation and channel modeling toward vertical heterogeneous networks [J ] . IEEE Communications Magazine , 2020 , 58 ( 11 ): 14 - 20 .

ABBASI N A , GOMEZ-PONCE J , BURGHAL D , et al . Double-directional channel measurements for urban THz communications on a linear route [C ] // 2021 IEEE International Conference on Communications Workshops (ICC Workshops) . Piscataway : IEEE , 2021 : 1 - 6 .

XING Y C , KANHERE O , JU S H , et al . Indoor wireless channel properties at millimeter wave and sub-terahertz frequencies [C ] // 2019 IEEE Global Communications Conference (GLOBECOM) . Piscataway : IEEE , 2019 : 1 - 6 .

JANSEN C , PRIEBE S , MOLLER C , et al . Diffuse scattering from rough surfaces in THz communication channels [J ] . IEEE Transactions on Terahertz Science and Technology , 2011 , 1 ( 2 ): 462 - 472 .

WANG Y , LI C , LIAO X , et al . Propagation characteristics and modeling of monostatic RCS scattering from indoor building material above 215-GHz frequency bands [J ] . IEEE Wireless Communications Letters , 2024 , 13 ( 3 ): 642 - 646 .

LI H , WANG W M , XU H , et al . THz channel measurement for different obstacles [C ] // 2022 7th International Conference on Computer and Communication Systems (ICCCS) . Piscataway : IEEE , 2022 : 599 - 603 .

KIM S , ZAJIĆ A G . Statistical characterization of 300-GHz propagation on a desktop [J ] . IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology , 2015 , 64 ( 8 ): 3330 - 3338 .

SERGHIOU D , KHALILY M , JOHNY S , et al . Ultra-wideband terahertz channel propagation measurements from 500 to 750 GHz [C ] // 2020 International Conference on UK-China Emerging Technologies (UCET) . Piscataway : IEEE , 2020 : 1 - 4 .

JU S H , XING Y C , KANHERE O , et al . Millimeter wave and sub-terahertz spatial statistical channel model for an indoor office building [J ] . IEEE Journal on Selected Areas in Communications , 2021 , 39 ( 6 ): 1561 - 1575 .

CHEN Y , HAN C , YU Z M , et al . 140 GHz channel measurement and characterization in an office room [C ] // ICC 2021 - IEEE International Conference on Communications . Piscataway : IEEE , 2021 : 1 - 6 .

CHEN Y , LI Y B , HAN C , et al . Channel measurement and ray-tracing-statistical hybrid modeling for low-terahertz indoor communications [J ] . IEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications , 2021 , 20 ( 12 ): 8163 - 8176 .

CHEN Y , HAN C , YU Z M , et al . Channel measurement, characterization, and modeling for terahertz indoor communications above 200 GHz [J ] . IEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications , 2024 , 23 ( 6 ): 6518 - 6532 .

WANG Y Q , LI Y B , CHEN Y , et al . 0.3 THz channel measurement and analysis in an L-shaped indoor hallway [C ] // ICC 2022 - IEEE International Conference on Communications . Piscataway : IEEE , 2022 : 2870 - 2875 .

GHOSH A , TAKAHASHI R , KIM M . Double-directional channel characterization of an indoor corridor scenario at 300 GHz [C ] // GLOBECOM 2023 - 2023 IEEE Global Communications Conference . Piscataway : IEEE , 2023 : 1465 - 1470 .

PRIEBE S , KANNICHT M , JACOB M , et al . Ultra broadband indoor channel measurements and calibrated ray tracing propagation modeling at THz frequencies [J ] . Journal of Communications and Networks , 2013 , 15 ( 6 ): 547 - 558 .

HE J , CHEN Y , WANG Y Q , et al . Channel measurement and path-loss characterization for low-terahertz indoor scenarios [C ] // 2021 IEEE International Conference on Communications Workshops (ICC Workshops) . Piscataway : IEEE , 2021 : 1 - 6 .

ZHOU X R , WANG Y , LIAO X , et al . Channel measurement and temporal-spatial characterization for indoor sub-THz communications [C ] // 2023 IEEE 11th Asia-Pacific Conference on Antennas and Propagation (APCAP) . Piscataway : IEEE , 2023 : 1 - 2 .

CHENG C L , SANGODOYIN S , ZAJIĆ A . THz cluster-based modeling and propagation characterization in a data center environment [J ] . IEEE Access , 2020 , 8 : 56544 - 56558 .

CHENG C L , SANGODOYIN S , ZAJIĆ A . Terahertz MIMO fading analysis and Doppler modeling in a data center environment [C ] // 2020 14th European Conference on Antennas and Propagation (EuCAP) . Piscataway : IEEE , 2020 : 1 - 5 .

ECKHARDT J M , PETROV V , MOLTCHANOV D , et al . Channel measurements and modeling for low-terahertz band vehicular communications [J ] . IEEE Journal on Selected Areas in Communications , 2021 , 39 ( 6 ): 1590 - 1603 .

GUAN K , PENG B L , HE D P , et al . Channel characterization for intra-wagon communication at 60 and 300 GHz bands [J ] . IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology , 2019 , 68 ( 6 ): 5193 - 5207 .

GUAN K , PENG B L , HE D P , et al . Measurement, simulation, and characterization of train-to-infrastructure inside-station channel at the terahertz band [J ] . IEEE Transactions on Terahertz Science and Technology , 2019 , 9 ( 3 ): 291 - 306 .

XING Y C , RAPPAPORT T S . Propagation measurements and path loss models for sub-THz in urban microcells [C ] // ICC 2021 - IEEE International Conference on Communications . Piscataway : IEEE , 2021 : 1 - 6 .

XING Y C , RAPPAPORT T S . Millimeter wave and terahertz urban microcell propagation measurements and models [J ] . IEEE Communications Letters , 2021 , 25 ( 12 ): 3755 - 3759 .

SHAKYA D , JU S H , KANHERE O , et al . Radio propagation measurements and statistical channel models for outdoor urban microcells in open squares and streets at 142, 73, and 28 GHz [J ] . IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation , 2024 , 72 ( 4 ): 3580 - 3595 .

ABBASI N A , GOMEZ-PONCE J , SHAIKBEPARI S M , et al . Ultra-wideband double directional channel measurements for THz communications in urban environments [C ] // ICC 2021 - IEEE International Conference on Communications . Piscataway : IEEE , 2021 : 1 - 6 .

ABBASI N A , GOMEZ J L , KONDAVETI R , et al . THz band channel measurements and statistical modeling for urban D2D environments [J ] . IEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications , 2023 , 22 ( 3 ): 1466 - 1479 .

KHALID N , ABBASI N A , AKAN O B . Statistical characterization and analysis of low-THz communication channel for 5G Internet of Things [J ] . Nano Communication Networks , 2019 , 22 : 100258 .

ZANTAH Y , ALISSA M , KREUL T , et al . Ultra-wideband multipath channel characterization at 300 GHz [C ] // WSA 2020 ; 24th International ITG Workshop on Smart Antennas . Offenbach : VDE , 2020 : 1 - 5 .

KHALID N , AKAN O B . Experimental throughput analysis of low-THz MIMO communication channel in 5G wireless networks [J ] . IEEE Wireless Communications Letters , 2016 , 5 ( 6 ): 616 - 619 .

ZHAO H , WEI L H , JARRAHI M , et al . Propagation measurements for indoor wireless communications at 350/650 GHz [C ] // 2018 43rd International Conference on Infrared, Millimeter, and Terahertz Waves (IRMMW-THz) . Piscataway : IEEE , 2018 : 1 - 2 .

XING Y C , RAPPAPORT T S . Propagation measurement system and approach at 140 GHz-moving to 6G and above 100 GHz [C ] // 2018 IEEE Global Communications Conference (GLOBECOM) . Piscataway : IEEE , 2018 : 1 - 6 .

DUPLEICH D , MÜLLER R , SKOBLIKOV S , et al . Characterization of the propagation channel in conference room scenario at 190 GHz [C ] // 2020 14th European Conference on Antennas and Propagation (EuCAP) . Piscataway : IEEE , 2020 : 1 - 5 .

LYU Y J , KYOSTI P , FAN W . Sub-THz VNA-based channel sounder structure and channel measurements at 100 and 300 GHz [C ] // 2021 IEEE 32nd Annual International Symposium on Personal, Indoor and Mobile Radio Communications (PIMRC) . Piscataway : IEEE , 2021 : 1 - 5 .

LOTTI M , CAILLET M , D'ERRICO R . Comparison of indoor channel characteristics for sub-THz bands from 125 GHz to 300 GHz [C ] // 2022 16th European Conference on Antennas and Propagation (EuCAP) . Piscataway : IEEE , 2022 : 1 - 5 .

YU Z M , CHEN Y , WANG G J , et al . Wideband channel measurements and temporal-spatial analysis for terahertz indoor communications [C ] // 2020 IEEE International Conference on Communications Workshops (ICC Workshops) . Piscataway : IEEE , 2020 : 1 - 6 .

ABBASI N A , HARIHARAN A , NAIR A M , et al . Channel measurements and path loss modeling for indoor THz communication [C ] // 2020 14th European Conference on Antennas and Propagation (EuCAP) . Piscataway : IEEE , 2020 : 1 - 5 .

CHEN X R , LIAO X , WANG Y , et al . Channel measurements and large-scale fading characterization for indoor THz communications [C ] // GLOBECOM 2023 - 2023 IEEE Global Communications Conference . Piscataway : IEEE , 2023 : 1483 - 1488 .

ZANTAH Y , SHEIKH F , ABBAS A A , et al . Channel measurements in lecture room environment at 300 GHz [C ] // 2019 Second International Workshop on Mobile Terahertz Systems (IWMTS) . Piscataway : IEEE , 2019 : 1 - 5 .

ECKHARDT J M , DOEKER T , KURNER T . Indoor-to-outdoor path loss measurements in an aircraft for terahertz communications [C ] // 2020 IEEE 91st Vehicular Technology Conference (VTC2020-Spring) . Piscataway : IEEE , 2020 : 1 - 5 .

ECKHARDT J M , DOEKER T , REY S , et al . Measurements in a real data centre at 300 GHz and recent results [C ] // 2019 13th European Conference on Antennas and Propagation (EuCAP) . Piscataway : IEEE , 2019 : 1 - 5 .

CHENG C L , ZAJIĆ A . Characterization of propagation phenomena relevant for 300 GHz wireless data center links [J ] . IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation , 2020 , 68 ( 2 ): 1074 - 1087 .

JU S H , XING Y C , KANHERE O , et al . Sub-terahertz channel measurements and characterization in a factory building [C ] // ICC 2022 - IEEE International Conference on Communications . Piscataway : IEEE , 2022 : 2882 - 2887 .

NGUYEN S L H , JÄRVELÄINEN J , KARTTUNEN A , et al . Comparing radio propagation channels between 28 and 140 GHz bands in a shopping mall [C ] // 12th European Conference on Antennas and Propagation (EuCAP 2018) . London : IET , 2018 : 1 - 5 .

UNDI F , SCHULTZE A , KEUSGEN W , et al . Angle-resolved THz channel measurements at 300 GHz in an outdoor environment [C ] // 2021 IEEE International Conference on Communications Workshops (ICC Workshops) . Piscataway : IEEE , 2021 : 1 - 7 .

LEE J , PARK J J , KIM K W , et al . 159-GHz propagation measurement and analysis in urban microcellular environment for 6G [J ] . IEEE Wireless Communications Letters , 2023 , 12 ( 2 ): 277 - 281 .

ITU-R P . 676-13. Attenuation by atmospheric gases and related effects [S ] . 2022 .

SERGHIOU D , KHALILY M , BROWN T W C , et al . Terahertz channel propagation phenomena, measurement techniques and modeling for 6G wireless communication applications: A survey, open challenges and future research directions [J ] . IEEE Communications Surveys Tutorials , 2022 , 24 ( 4 ): 1957 - 1996 .

HE D P , AI B , GUAN K , et al . The design and applications of high-performance ray-tracing simulation platform for 5G and beyond wireless communications: A tutorial [J ] . IEEE Communications Surveys Tutorials , 2019 , 21 ( 1 ): 10 - 27 .

SAADANE R R , WAHBI M . UWB indoor radio propagation modelling in presence of human body shadowing using ray tracing technique [J ] . International Journal of Communication Networks and Information Security (IJCNIS) , 2012 , 4 ( 2 ): 132 - 143 .

AZPILICUETA L , SCHULTZE A , CELAYA-ECHARRI M , et al . TeraHertz vs microwaves ray-launching model in a 0.45 THz indoor wireless scenario [C ] // 2023 48th International Conference on Infrared, Millimeter, and Terahertz Waves (IRMMW-THz) . Piscataway : IEEE , 2023 : 1 - 2 .

GUAN K , PENG B L , HE D P , et al . Channel sounding and ray tracing for train-to-train communications at the THz band [C ] // 2019 13th European Conference on Antennas and Propagation (EuCAP) . Piscataway : IEEE , 2019 : 1 - 5 .

GUAN K , HE D P , AI B , et al . Channel characterization and capacity analysis for THz communication enabled smart rail mobility [J ] . IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology , 2021 , 70 ( 5 ): 4065 - 4080 .

SHEIKH F , LESSY D , KAISER T . A novel ray-tracing algorithm for non-specular diffuse scattered rays at terahertz frequencies [C ] // 2018 First International Workshop on Mobile Terahertz Systems (IWMTS) . Piscataway : IEEE , 2018 : 1 - 6 .

SHEIKH F , GAO Y , KAISER T . A study of diffuse scattering in massive MIMO channels at terahertz frequencies [J ] . IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation , 2020 , 68 ( 2 ): 997 - 1008 .

HAN C , AKYILDIZ I F . Three-dimensional end-to-end modeling and analysis for graphene-enabled terahertz band communications [J ] . IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology , 2017 , 66 ( 7 ): 5626 - 5634 .

HAN C , BICEN A , AKYILDIZ I F . Multi-ray channel modeling and wideband characterization for wireless communications in the terahertz band [J ] . IEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications , 2015 , 14 ( 5 ): 2402 - 2412 .

ZHAO Y , HAO Y , PARINI C . FDTD characterization of UWB indoor radio channel including frequency dependent antenna directivities [J ] . IEEE Antennas and Wireless Propagation Letters , 2007 , 6 : 191 - 194 .

FENG R , WANG C X , HUANG J , et al . Classification and comparison of massive MIMO propagation channel models [J ] . IEEE Internet of Things Journal , 2022 , 9 ( 23 ): 23452 - 23471 .

PRIEBE S , KURNER T . Stochastic modeling of THz indoor radio channels [J ] . IEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications , 2013 , 12 ( 9 ): 4445 - 4455 .

HE D P , GUAN K , FRICKE A , et al . Stochastic channel modeling for kiosk applications in the terahertz band [J ] . IEEE Transactions on Terahertz Science and Technology , 2017 , 7 ( 5 ): 502 - 513 .

YUAN Y , HE R S , AI B , et al . A 3D geometry-based THz channel model for 6G ultra massive MIMO systems [J ] . IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology , 2022 , 71 ( 3 ): 2251 - 2266 .

WANG J , WANG C X , HUANG J , et al . A novel 3D non-stationary GBSM for 6G THz ultra-massive MIMO wireless systems [J ] . IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology , 2021 , 70 ( 12 ): 12312 - 12324 .

WANG J , WANG C X , HUANG J , et al . A general 3D space-time-frequency non-stationary THz channel model for 6G ultra-massive MIMO wireless communication systems [J ] . IEEE Journal on Selected Areas in Communications , 2021 , 39 ( 6 ): 1576 - 1589 .

DAS S , SEN D , VITERBO E , et al . Ambit-process-based spatial-wideband MIMO channel model for sub-THz urban microcellular communication [J ] . IEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications , 2024 , 23 ( 1 ): 559 - 574 .

WANG C X , LV Z , GAO X Q , et al . Pervasive wireless channel modeling theory and applications to 6G GBSMs for all frequency bands and all scenarios [J ] . IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology , 2022 , 71 ( 9 ): 9159 - 9173 .

WANG C X , LV Z , CHEN Y F , et al . A complete study of space-time-frequency statistical properties of the 6G pervasive channel model [J ] . IEEE Transactions on Communications , 2023 , 71 ( 12 ): 7273 - 7287 .

YOU L , GAO X Q , LI G Y , et al . BDMA for millimeter-wave/terahertz massive MIMO transmission with per-beam synchronization [J ] . IEEE Journal on Selected Areas in Communications , 2017 , 35 ( 7 ): 1550 - 1563 .

WANG J , WANG C X , HUANG J , et al . A novel THz massive MIMO beam domain channel model for 6G wireless communication systems [J ] . IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology , 2023 , 72 ( 8 ): 9704 - 9719 .

YU L , ZHANG Y X , ZHANG J H , et al . Implementation framework and validation of cluster-nuclei based channel model using environmental mapping for 6G communication systems [J ] . China Communications , 2022 , 19 ( 4 ): 1 - 13 .

ECKHARDT J M , DOEKER T , KÜRNER T . Hybrid channel model for low terahertz links in a data center [J ] . IEEE Open Journal of the Communications Society , 2024 , 5 : 4731 - 4745 .

Views

下载量

CSCD

Alert me when the article has been cited

提交

Tools

Publicity Resources

Developments on Channel Measurement and Models in 5G High Frequency Band

Semantic Characteristics and Modeling of Wireless Channels for 6G

CR-GAN Complex Wireless Channel Modeling with Hidden Space Sampling and Hidden Feature Extraction

Research on Indoor Millimeter Wave 3D-MIMO Wireless Channel Parameter Extraction and Multipath Cluster Characteristics

Related Author

LI Jun-ling

FENG Rui

WANG Cheng-xiang

WANG Jun

WANG Cheng-xiang

ZHANG Wen-sheng

SUN Jian

ZHANG Zheng-yu

Related Institution

National Mobile Communication Research Laboratory, School of Information Science and Engineering, Southeast University

Purple Mountain Laboratories

Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Wireless Communication Shandong University Jinan Shandong China

School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University

State Key Laboratory of Millimeter Waves, Southeast University

⁰