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X.-C. Zhang
The Institute of Optics
University of Rochester
Rochester, NY 12627-0186 USA
Date: June 21, 2013
Time: 3:00pm-4:30pm
Place: Conference Room 338, the 3rd
Academic Building, Yuquan Campus
THz photonics: bridging the “gap” and beyond
Abstract: Historically, THz technologies were mainly used within the astronomy
community for searching far-infrared radiation (cosmic background), and the
laser fusion community for the diagnostics of plasmas. Since the first
demonstration of THz wave time-domain spectroscopy in the late 80’s, there has
been a series of significant advances (particularly in recent years) on the
development of intense sources and sensitive detectors.
THz photonics involves the interaction of intense femtosecond laser pulses with
matters (solid, liquid, air, and plasma). I will review THz wave generation and
detection techniques using air as emitter and sensor. Also, I will explore the
remaining challenges and future opportunities for this rapidly evolving area of
research that transcends the "gap" once existing between optics and electronics.
I will also highlight their potentials, including for the national security applications.
Biography: Dr. Xi-Cheng Zhang – Director and
Parker Givens Chair at The Institute of Optics,
University of Rochester. Dr. Zhang was the Director of
the Center for THz Research at Rensselaer
Polytechnic Institute. He is a Lifetime Fellow of IEEE,
the Optical Society of America, and the American
Physics Society. His recent awards include 2012 OSA
William F. Meggers Award; 2011 IEEE Photonics
Society William Streifer Scientific Achievement Award;
and 2009 Rensselaer William H. Wiley Award.