An ICTP Hybrid Meeting

Terahertz technology deals with the radiation that belongs to the spectral range confined between the millimeter-wave and far-infrared parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. Here, material  properties can be exploited for use over a broad range of important technologies and applications.

 

Terahertz time-resolved spectroscopy, utilizing ultra-short pulsed lasers, can provide both amplitude and phase information about the material under investigation, as opposed to the standard Fourier-based spectroscopy which is limited to amplitude information. Imaging resolution available with THz is not as good as for x-rays, but it is significantly better than other parts of the spectrum and importantly THz radiation does not cause damage to living tissues. This presents many opportunities in medical imaging alone. THz wavelengths can also connect to the behavior of many organic and/or biological molecules. An important application is in security screening for plastic explosives, particularly at airports. Additionally, the relatively wide bandwidths at these frequencies can aid very high data-rate communications. All of these applications and more will strongly contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

 

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