Terahertz Communication: State-of-the-Art and Future Directions

Abstract

Terahertz (THz) communication is a cutting-edge technology poised to address the increasing demand for ultra-high data rates in next-generation wireless networks. THz frequencies offer a vast spectrum supporting ultra-massive connectivity for applications like high-definition video streaming, virtual reality, and advanced Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices. Additionally, THz communication can enable new technologies such as high-resolution imaging and sensing. This paper presents a comprehensive survey on THz communication's advancements, challenges, and potential applications. We provide an overview of the fundamental concepts, including THz band characteristics, transmission mechanisms, and channel models. Additionally, we discuss the current state-of-the-art in THz communication technology, covering aspects such as modulation techniques, radio frequency (RF) front-end design, and signal processing algorithms. Furthermore, we analyze the challenges and limitations associated with THz communication, such as propagation losses, atmospheric absorption, beam split, and hardware constraints. This paper aims to provide researchers and practitioners with a comprehensive understanding of THz communication design and analysis and inspire further advancements in this rapidly evolving field. © IEEE. 2025 IEEE.