Abstract: THz photonics, an extension of microwave photonics that emerged in the mid-1980s, represents a journey from scientific curiosity to transformative technology. Advances in ultrashort-pulse lasers, optical rectification, novel electro-optic materials, and growing industrial opportunities have established THz photonics as a distinct field within the broader THz community. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has made significant contributions to the development of THz photonics. In this talk, I will present a historical review of the development of THz air photonics at RPI (1992–2011) and THz liquid photonics at the University of Rochester (2012–present). Selective THz wave generation, detection, sensing, and imaging application will be highlighted.
Bio: Prof. Zhang is Endowed Parker Givens Professor of Optics, U. of Rochester.
In the past he served as the Director of The Institute of Optics, U. of Rochester, Acting Head of the Dept. of Physics, Applied Physics and Astronomy, RPI, and Endowed J. Erik Jonsson ’22 Distinguished Professor of Science, RPI. He joined RPI Physics in 1992. He received his PHD degree in Physics from Brown U., RI., USA and BS degree from Peking U., China. Prof. Zhang has 29 US patents issued; authored and co-authored 29 books and book chapters, >360 refereed papers; delivered 891 talks (218 colloquium, 107 seminars, 312 invited conference presentations, and 254 contributed conference talks). Most recent major awards and honors: Edwin H. Land Medal, Society for Imaging Science and Technology (IS&T) - Optica ‘25; Outstanding Co-EiC for Light: Science & Applications, Light Publishing Group, Springer Nature ’25; Foreign Fellow of Chinese Optical Society (COS) ’24; IRMMW-THz Society Exceptional Service Award ‘23; Foreign member of Russian Academy of Sciences ’22; etc.
