The terahertz (THz) wave refers to electromagnetic waves with frequencies between 100 GHz and 10 THz, or wavelengths between 3 mm and 30 μm, which lies between the microwave and the infrared light in the electromagnetic spectrum and has some properties with each of these two. Due to some unique properties of the THz wave, such as high transmittance in paper, clothing, ceramics, spectral “fingerprints” of biomolecules, explosives and narcotics, etc, the THz wave demonstrates potential applications in medical imaging, defence and security, space communications, and so on. In the United States, European Union, Japan, and China, many research projects on THz science and technology have been sponsored in the last decades.

Along with the rapid development of THz technology worldwide, the Chinese government and Chinese Academy of Sciences paid close attentions to the progress and advance of THz technology in China. In December of 2010, the Key Laboratory of Terahertz Solid-State Technology was founded which was affiliated with the Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences.  

The Laboratory dedicates to the fundamental and application of THz research covering both the electronic and photonic technologies. We developed the THz radiation-induced interband impact ionization model in low-dimensional semiconductors and overcame the difficulty of correctly explaining the absorption under strong THz radiation using the traditional model. In the meanwhile, we also carried out the experimental work of quantum devices, from design, molecular beam epitaxy material growth, device processing, to testing. Based on the THz electronic and photonic technologies, the laboratory demonstrated the application researches, e.g., imaging, communications, and so on. The main research directions are listed as follows:

l     Terahertz quantum devices and their applications. The major research areas include terahertz physics, terahertz quantum cascade laser and terahertz quantum well photodetectors, terahertz communication and imaging applications.

l     Millimeter wave/terahertz solid-state electronic devices and applications. The major research areas include: terahertz solid-state electronics devices, millimeter wave/terahertz circuits and modules integration, millimeter wave/terahertz communication and imaging application systems.