A mini-review of signal processing techniques for RIS-assisted near field THz communication

Abstract

Reflecting Intelligent Surfaces (RISs) are reshaping the landscape of wireless communications, particularly in the terahertz (THz) frequency bands, offering promising solutions to inherent challenges in the bands. THz communication boasts bandwidths exceeding 100 GHz, leading to data rates potentially in the terabits per second (Tbps) range, thereby making it an attractive proposition for wireless communications, imaging, and sensing. However, benefits come with challenges, including significant molecular absorption, scattering, diffraction, and hardware limitations. Moreover, as bandwidth in the THz range increases, so does the difficulty of signal processing at Nyquist rate. RIS emerges as a game-changer for 6G and beyond by providing programmable reflecting elements that can adaptively modify the phases and amplitudes of incident signals, enabling precision in directing THz waves and enhancing received signal strength. Such capabilities can significantly mitigate path loss and atmospheric absorption challenges. Furthermore, inherent pencil beamforming capabilities of RIS lead to optimized energy utilization. Major challenge in THz communications is the pressing needs for efficient algorithms for robust THz transceivers and optimizing RIS elements. This review describes the integration of RIS and near-field THz communications, highlighting their future potential and challenges for the next-generation wireless networks. In this article, a comprehensive understanding of the complexities and nuances of near-field propagation in 6G networks, especially as the technology shifts towards extremely large-scale antenna arrays (ELAA). Additionally, it will introduce the transformative potential of sub-Nyquist rate signal processing and artificial intelligence (AI) offering innovative solutions to address the inherent challenges of 6G communication, especially in channel estimation and beamforming strategies.