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227-0455-00L 5 Credits DR , MSC D-HEST , D-MAVT , D-PHYS , D-ITET
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Terahertz: Technology and Applications

Does not take place this semester.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:22:45

Abstract

This block course will provide a solid foundation for understanding physical principles of THz applications. We will discuss various building blocks of THz technology - components dealing with generation, manipulation, and detection of THz electromagnetic radiation. We will introduce THz applications in the domain of imaging, sensing, communications, non-destructive testing and evaluations.

Objective

This is an introductory course on Terahertz (THz) technology and applications. Devices operating in THz frequency range (0.1 to 10 THz) have been increasingly studied in the recent years. Progress in nonlinear optical materials, ultrafast optical and electronic techniques has strengthened research in THz application developments. Due to unique interaction of THz waves with materials, applications with new capabilities can be developed. In theory, they can penetrate somewhat like X-rays, but are not considered harmful radiation, because THz energy level is low. They should be able to provide resolution as good as or better than magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), possibly with simpler equipment. Imaging, very-high bandwidth communication, and energy harvesting are the most widely explored THz application areas. We will study the basics of THz generation, manipulation, and detection. Our emphasis will be on the physical principles and applications of THz in the domain of imaging, sensing, communications, non-destructive testing and evaluations. The second part of the block course will be a short project work related to the topics covered in the lecture. The learnings from the project work should be presented in the end.

Content

PART I: - INTRODUCTION - Chapter 1: Introduction to THz Physics Chapter 2: Components of THz Technology - THz TECHNOLOGY MODULES - Chapter 3: THz Generation Chapter 4: THz Detection Chapter 5: THz Manipulation - APPLICATIONS - Chapter 6: THz Imaging / Sensing / Communication Chapter 7: THz Non-destructive Testing Chapter 8: THz Applications in Plastic & Recycling Industries PART 2: - PROJECT WORK - Short project work related to the topics covered in the lecture. Short presentation of the learnings from the project work. Full guidance and supervision will be given for successful completion of the short project work.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Soft-copy of lectures notes will be provided.

Literature

- Yun-Shik Lee, Principles of Terahertz Science and Technology, Springer 2009 - Ali Rostami, Hassan Rasooli, and Hamed Baghban, Terahertz Technology: Fundamentals and Applications, Springer 2010

General Information

Language
English
Levels
DR , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance
Evaluation is based on 30 minutes oral examination (50%) and project work (50%)Dates for oral exam will be planned with the students during the first week of lectures.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Terahertz: Technology & Applications
Does not take place this semester. Block course: Monday, Friday, Saturday. The first two Monday sessions will be inforrmational.
No time listed 42 h semesterly
independent project Terahertz: Technology & Applications
Does not take place this semester. Block course
No time listed 42 h semesterly

Offered In

  • Mechanical Engineering Master
    • Core Courses
      • Energy, Flows and Processes (The courses listed in this category “Core Courses” are recommended. Alternative courses can be chosen in agreement with the tutor.)
      • Micro & Nanosystems (The courses listed in this category “Core Courses” are recommended. Alternative courses can be chosen in agreement with the tutor.)
      • Bioengineering (The courses listed in this category “Core Courses” are recommended. Alternative courses can be chosen in agreement with the tutor.)
  • Biomedical Engineering Master
  • Electrical Engineering and Information Technology Master
    • Master Studies (Programme Regulations 2018)
      • Communication (The core courses and specialization courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialize in the area of "Communication", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
        • Specialization Courses (These specialization courses are particularly recommended for the area of "Communication", but you are free to choose courses from any other field in agreement with your tutor. A minimum of 40 credits must be obtained from specialization courses during the Master's Programme.)
      • Electronics and Photonics (The core courses and specialization courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialize in the area of "Electronics and Photonics", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
        • Specialization Courses (These specialization courses are particularly recommended for the area of "Electronics and Photonics", but you are free to choose courses from any other field in agreement with your tutor. A minimum of 40 credits must be obtained from specialization courses during the Master's Programme.)
    • Master Studies (Programme Regulations 2008)
  • Physics Master
    • Electives
      • General Electives (Students may choose General Electives from the entire course programme of ETH Zurich - with the following restrictions: courses that belong to the first or second year of a Bachelor curriculum at ETH Zurich as well as courses from GESS "Science in Perspective" are not eligible here. The following courses are explicitly recommended to physics students by their lecturers. (Courses in this list may be assigned to the category "General Electives" directly in myStudies. For the category assignment of other eligible courses keep the choice "no category" and take contact with the Study Administration ( ) after having received the credits.))
  • Doctorate Information Technology and Electrical Engineering (More Information at: )
    • Subject Specialisation (A minimum of 12 ECTS credit points must be obtained during doctoral studies (also see other categories for details) The courses on offer below are but a small selection out of a much larger available number of courses. Please discuss your course selection with your PhD supervisor.)