Terahertz Communication Technology Based on Metasurface Beamforming

Abstract

Facing the urgent demand of the sixth-generation (6G) mobile communication for ultra-large bandwidth and ultra-high speed wireless transmission, terahertz communication has become a core candidate technology, but its high path loss and other problems seriously limit the system performance, while beamforming technology and metasurface technology provide a key path for low-loss and miniaturized wavefront control. This paper systematically studies the terahertz communication technology based on metasurface beamforming, comprehensively expounds the basic definitions, principles and mainstream implementation methods of terahertz communication, beamforming and metasurface, and focuses on the four research directions of programmable beam control, broadband response, multi-dimensional wavefront control and on-chip integration. It reveals the key bottlenecks in the current field: insufficient processing accuracy of sub-wavelength devices, difficulty in preparing high-performance materials, low system compatibility and integration, and proposes feasible solutions from the four dimensions of processing technology, new materials, structural design and standardized integration. Metasurface combined with beamforming technology can significantly improve terahertz beam directivity, coverage and system energy efficiency, which is an important technical route to break through the practical obstacles of terahertz communication. This paper provides insightful guidance and potential optimization routes for metasurface-assisted terahertz systems, and identifies key development trends for 6G terahertz communications.