Mitigation of water vapour characteristics in terahertz spectroscopy and communications

The proposed work targets the characterization and removal of water vapour signatures from the ambient environment of terahertz spectroscopy and communication systems. A model of water-induced refraction and extinction is developed for this, with its single fitting parameter characterizing the combined effects from (unknown) propagation lengths and relative humidities in the environment. The model is used to suppress the water vapour characteristics from measured terahertz spectra, by 2.120 to 13.962 dB, with relative humidities spanning 25% to 62%. Ultimately, the process is found to be both fast, due to its use of a single fitting parameter, and effective, in mitigating the effects of water vapour over a broad terahertz spectrum.