Body-Centric Terahertz Networks: Prospects and Challenges

Area of Science:

• Electrical Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Wireless Communications

Background:

• Terahertz (THz) technology advancements are positioning it as a key enabler for future communication networks.
• The unique properties of THz frequencies, such as small beamwidths, support nano-communication paradigms, including in-body and on-body applications.
• THz sensing and imaging offer potential advantages over existing molecular, acoustic, and radio-frequency solutions in biomedical contexts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To survey the current state of Terahertz (THz) technology for body-centric networks.
• To explore the potential of THz band for in-body and on-body communication systems.
• To highlight THz sensing and imaging applications in healthcare, particularly for disease detection.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of THz device technologies.
• Analysis of channel and noise modeling for THz body-centric networks.
• Survey of modulation schemes and networking topologies for THz communications.

Main Results:

• THz technology is suitable for nano-communication paradigms due to its inherent properties.
• Body-centric THz networks can overcome limitations of current communication technologies.
• THz sensing and imaging show promise for healthcare applications, including the detection of viruses like Coronavirus.

Conclusions:

• The THz band presents significant opportunities for advanced body-centric communication and sensing applications.
• Further research is needed to address open challenges in THz body-centric networks.
• THz technology can revolutionize healthcare through enhanced sensing and communication capabilities.