Terahertz-Band Channel: An Enabler for Futuristic Wireless Sensing and Communication

The terahertz (THz)-band is emerging as a leading frontier for the sixth generation of wireless networks. With its ultrabroad bandwidth, extremely large antenna arrays (XLAs), and narrow beamwidth, the THz-band enables high-rate communication and high-resolution sensing, which underpin several cutting-edge applications envisioned for 6G networks. However, the unique channel characteristics associated with the THz-band present challenges in fully harnessing its potential. This article examines these propagation mechanisms from a novel perspective, offering a progressive vision on how these channel characteristics can benefit sensing, communication, and joint sensing and communication (JSAC) systems. THz ultramassive multiple-input/multiple-output (UM-MIMO) systems and the THz near-field (NF) effect are explored for sensing and communication (S&C) systems. Additionally, a case study is presented where the THz-specific molecular absorption effect (MAE) is intelligently exploited to develop an efficient data transmission scheme.