Environmental Effects on Sub-THz Signal Propagation: A Comprehensive Study on FMCW Radar Performance

This scientific paper is an outcome of the MARIE project (for more information, see trrmarie.de) [M02]. It provides an overview of the impact of environmental factors, such as temperature, humidity, and fire, on sub-THz signal propagation. Terahertz (THz) systems, particularly in the sub-THz frequency range, are increasingly applied in fields like communication, environmental monitoring, and material characterization. However, their performance is highly sensitive to varying environmental conditions. This paper summarize the current research on the influence of these conditions on the accuracy of THz systems and presents a synthesis of real-world measurements and physics-based simulations. By developing realistic propagation models that account for environmental variability, this paper aims to enhance the understanding and reliability of THz systems in dynamic environments. The findings are particularly relevant for applications such as mobile material characterization and radar-based monitoring in harsh conditions, where phase-based radar signal processing is critical for accurate measurements.