Channel Model for Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface Assisted Terahertz Propagation

Channel modeling is crucial to the design and analysis of terahertz wireless communications. In this paper, we present a new channel model for RIS-assisted terahertz wireless channels, that includes scattering from rough surfaces in the channel environment. The main advantage of this model is giving useful insights into how the scattering of the environment’s objects can affect the performance of RIS units in terahertz communications. Also, the model can be used for efficient design and placement of RIS structure in the environment. Using the proposed model, a simple scenario has been analyzed and the channel impulse response (CIR) versus time and angle of departure is presented for the channel with different RIS positions.

I. Introduction

Terahertz (THz) wireless communication systems have been recognized as a promising candidate for beyond 5G communications systems. The frequency range between 100 GHz and 3 THz which is not used yet for wireless communications, can offer higher bandwidth and data rates compared to existing millimeter-wave technologies [1].