Non-Destructive Characterization of Drywall Moisture Content Using Terahertz Time-Domain Spectroscopy

Abstract

Despite its wide acceptance, one of the most critical limitations of Terahertz wave technology is its high sensitivity to moisture. This limitation can, in turn, be exploited for use in moisture detection applications. This work presents a quantitative, non-invasive characterization of moisture content in standard gypsum drywall using Terahertz Time-Domain Spectroscopy (THz-TDS). With an increase in the moisture content of the drywall sample, experimental results indicated an increase in the dielectric properties such as the refractive index, permittivity, absorption coefficient, extinction coefficient, and dissipation factor. The demonstrated sensitivity to moisture establishes THz-TDS as a powerful tool for structural monitoring, hidden defect detection, and electromagnetic modeling of real-world building environments. Beyond material diagnostics, these findings have broader implications for THz indoor propagation studies, especially for emerging sub-THz and low THz communication technologies in 5G/6G and THz imaging of objects hidden behind the wall.