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402-0475-00L 6 Credits DR , MSC D-PHYS , D-ITET , D-MATL

Terahertz Science and Applications

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Elsa Abreu

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:38

Abstract

The Terahertz (THz) range (0.1 – 10 THz), lies between the infrared and microwave spectral regions and has become accessible in the past few years. This new capability has had great impact in scientific research, and has led to technological advances and to the development of a variety of applications and devices. This course provides an introduction to THz science, technology and applications.

Objective

The goal of this course is to enable students to determine whether a THz solution can be applied to a particular scientific or technological problem. Armed with the fundamentals of THz science and of current THz technologies, covered in this introductory course, students will be able to weigh the capabilities, advantages and limitations of THz tools to address topics ranging from phonons in solid state systems and molecular vibrations in solutions to medical imaging and wireless communications.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Will be distributed via moodle.

Literature

Yun-Shik Lee, Principles of Terahertz Science and Technology, Springer 2009 Additional references distributed via moodle.

General Information

Language: English
Levels: DR , MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: graded semester performance

Combination of 30 min oral exam (40%), presentation (40%) and discussion (20%).Dates for presentations and oral exams will be planned with the students during the first two weeks of lectures.

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture	Terahertz Science and Applications	No time listed	2 h weekly
exercise	Terahertz Science and Applications	No time listed	1 h weekly

Offered In

Materials Science Master
- Elective Courses (The students are free to choose individually from the entire course offer of ETH Zürich on the Master level. Please consult the study administration in case of questions.)
Electrical Engineering and Information Technology Master
- 01 - Courses of specializations
  - Track: Electronics and Photonics (The core courses and specialisation courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialise in the area of "Electronics and Photonics", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
    - Specialisation Courses (These specialisation 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. Semester / Research Projects are not allowed in this category. A minimum of 40 credits must be obtained from specialisation courses during the Master's Programme.)
Physics Master
- Electives
  - Electives: Physics and Mathematics
    - Selection: Quantum Electronics
Doctorate Information Technology and Electrical Engineering (A minimum of 12 ECTS credit points must be obtained during doctoral studies (also see sub-categories for details) More Information at )
- Subject Specialisation (The courses on offer below are only a small selection out of a much larger available number of courses. Please discuss your course selection with your PhD supervisor.)
Doctorate Physics (More Information at: )
- Subject Specialisation (Please note that this is an INCOMPLETE list of courses.)