Terahertz Meets AI: The State of the Art

Sensors (Basel). 2023 May 24;23(11):5034. doi: 10.3390/s23115034.

Abstract

Terahertz (THz) is a promising technology for future wireless communication networks, particularly for 6G and beyond. The ultra-wide THz band, ranging from 0.1 to 10 THz, can potentially address the limited capacity and scarcity of spectrum in current wireless systems such as 4G-LTE and 5G. Furthermore, it is expected to support advanced wireless applications requiring high data transmission and quality services, i.e., terabit-per-second backhaul systems, ultra-high-definition streaming, virtual/augmented reality, and high-bandwidth wireless communications. In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has been used mainly for resource management, spectrum allocation, modulation and bandwidth classification, interference mitigation, beamforming, and medium access control layer protocols to improve THz performance. This survey paper examines the use of AI in state-of-the-art THz communications, discussing the challenges, potentials, and shortcomings. Additionally, this survey discusses the available platforms, including commercial, testbeds, and publicly available simulators for THz communications. Finally, this survey provides future strategies for improving the existing THz simulators and using AI methods, including deep learning, federated learning, and reinforcement learning, to improve THz communications.

Keywords: 6G; 6G and beyond; THz MAC protocols; THz simulators; Terahertz (THz); artificial intelligence (AI).

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Augmented Reality*
  • Technology
  • Virtual Reality*