Source:thznetwork.org

    MUNICH, Germany ¡ª German research group Leibniz-Gemeinschaft has launched a terahertz research center. The institute, based in Braunschweig, will explore technology and applications for terahertz radiation with emphasis on semiconductor material research.

    The research community regards the frequency range from .1 THz and 10 THz as very promising, Leibniz Gemeinschaft said in a press release. Possible application areas range from medical and biological analytics to material research. For instance, the electromagnetic waves in the frequency range between microwaves and infrared light could replace x-rays in many applications.

    The new Deutsches Terhahertz-Zentrum research center will follow an interdisciplinary approach in basic and application research. In addition, the institute will have the task of networking relevant research activities within Germany.

    Founding member Prof. Manfred Helm from Forschunsgzentrum Rossendorf (FZD) explained how these targets could be achieved. ¡°The [terahertz] center represents a public forum in which basic research will be conducted as well as application-oriented projects¡±, he said. Topics are semiconductor materials behavior using terahertz radiation as well as developing novel, highly efficient terahertz radiation sources.

    With the move, the city of Braunschweig strengthens its position as the German ¡®terahertz capital¡¯. The Technical University of Braunschweig already operates a terahertz communication lab.