Keynote speech 3: Plasmonic terahertz optoelectronics for advanced terahertz imaging and sensing

Abstract

In the first part of this talk, I will give an overview of the unique applications of terahertz waves for chemical identification, material characterization, biomedical sensing and diagnostics and describe the state of the existing terahertz sensors. In the second part of the talk, I will introduce a game changing technology that enables high performance, low cost, and compact terahertz spectroscopy and imaging systems for various applications. More specifically, I will introduce a new generation of optically driven terahertz sources and detectors that offer three orders of magnitude higher terahertz radiation power levels and two orders of magnitude higher terahertz detection sensitivity levels compared to the existing technologies. This leap-frog performance enhancement is achieved by funneling the laser light through specifically engineered metallic nanostructures into the device active area, enhancing light matter interaction at nanoscale. Moreover, this technology is optimized for operation at near infrared optical wavelengths, where very high performance, compact and cost-effective optical sources are commercially available, paving the way to compact and low-cost terahertz sensors that could offer numerous opportunities for e.g., medical imaging and diagnostics, atmospheric sensing, pharmaceutical quality control, and security screening systems.