Research Article
Layered Dielectric Characterization of Human Skin in the Sub-Terahertz and Terahertz Frequency Ranges
@INPROCEEDINGS{10.1007/978-3-032-38657-1_2, author={Silvia Mura and Elisabetta Marini and Maurizio Magarini and Matti H\aa{}m\aa{}l\aa{}inen and Marco Hernandez}, title={Layered Dielectric Characterization of Human Skin in the Sub-Terahertz and Terahertz Frequency Ranges}, proceedings={Body Area Networks. 20th EAI International Conference, BodyNets 2025, Okayama, Japan, December 2--4, 2025, Proceedings}, proceedings_a={BODYNETS}, year={2026}, month={10}, keywords={Terahertz Radiation Millimeter-wave Dielectric Modeling Multi-Debye Relaxation Human Skin Cellular Permittivity}, doi={10.1007/978-3-032-38657-1_2} }- Silvia Mura
Elisabetta Marini
Maurizio Magarini
Matti Hämäläinen
Marco Hernandez
Year: 2026
Layered Dielectric Characterization of Human Skin in the Sub-Terahertz and Terahertz Frequency Ranges
BODYNETS
Springer
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-38657-1_2
Abstract
Sub-terahertz (sub-THz) and terahertz (THz) radiation offer unique opportunities for non-invasive diagnostics and imaging due to their sensitivity to water content and molecular dynamics in biological tissues. In this work, a comprehensive dielectric model of human skin and its cellular constituents is developed across these frequency ranges. The model combines multi-Debye relaxation theory with effective medium formulations to account for intracellular water dynamics and macromolecular relaxation processes. Key cellular parameters, including water content, protein and lipid fractions, and ionic conductivity, are integrated from experimentally validated sources. The proposed framework enables realistic predictions of frequency-dependent permittivity for different skin layers and cell types, providing a physically interpretable description of sub-THz and THz tissue interactions. This approach establishes a foundation for the design and optimization of next-generation diagnostic and imaging techniques operating in these frequency bands.