Human Skin Exposure to Terahertz Waves from 0.1 to 1 THz: Statistical Assessments Using Multilayered Planar Models

The use of millimeter and submillimeter waves has been expected in next-generation wireless communication technologies, such as 5G Advanced or 6G. While public concern for nonionized radiation generated by such technologies using these new frequencies is assumed to increase, data on human exposure to electromagnetic fields, particularly at submillimeter wave frequencies, are scarce. In this study, we investigated the general characteristics of human exposure to plane waves at frequencies from 0.1 to 1 THz using several multilayer planar models of the skin. Statistical variations of the exposure characteristics with respect to individual differences in tissue thicknesses were also investigated by Monte Carlo simulation, and results obtained using different skin models were compared with each other.