PhD Course – Optical terahertz technology

• Account for basic theories for interaction between terahertz radiation and matter
• Explain generation of ultrafast terahertz signals by photoconductive and nonlinear optical processes
• Explain detection of ultrafast terahertz signals by photoconductive and nonlinear optical processes
• Apply formalism for linear propagation of electromagnetic waves is absorptive and dispersive media
• Apply the formalism for static and time-resolved terahertz time-domain spectroscopy for material characterization
• Understand the principles behind terahertz optics (materials, optical components, waveguides, metamaterials)
• Interpret experimental measurements and results based on theoretical models of selected physical phenomena on the picosecond and femtosecond time scale
• Account for selected nonlinear optical effects in the THz range
• Explain the principles of terahertz imaging and tomography

The course works through basic theories of interaction between terahertz radiation and matter, optical methods for generation and detection of ultrafast terahertz signals and continuous-wave terahertz signals such as photoconductive antennas, nonlinear crystals and four-wave mixing in gases. The course covers theory for terahertz optics, including materials for terahertz applications, terahertz optical components, waveguides, and metamaterials. Spectroscopic applications of terahertz radiation will be discussed in-depth, with examples including spectroscopy of atoms, molecules, biological materials and semiconductor structures. Techniques for terahertz imaging and tomography will be covered.

The course consists of an even distribution of introductory lectures, article discussions, simulation exercises, and practical demonstrations of generation, detection, spectroscopy and imaging using the mobile THz system at DTU Fotonik.

Basic knowledge about semiconductors and optics

Minimum: 4, Maximum: 10.

Please be aware that this course has a minimum requirement for the number of participants needed, in order for it to be held. If these requirements are not met, then the course will not be held. Furthermore, there is a limited number of seats available. If there are too many applicants, a pool will be created for the remainder of the qualified applicants, and they will be selected at random. You will be informed 8 days before the start of the course, whether you have been allocated a spot.