Surfaces for Enhanced Terahertz Radiation Generation and Manipulation

Terahertz (THz) radiation, which occupies the frequency range between microwaves and infrared light, has become a critical focus in research due to its potential for applications in areas like imaging, communication, and material analysis. Despite its transformative potential, efficient generation of THz radiation presents ongoing challenges. Promising solutions involve utilizing surface and interface techniques that manipulate light and matter interactions at nanoscale surfaces, including nonlinear optical processes and laser-induced phenomena. Terahertz metasurfaces play a pivotal role in this field, enabling precise manipulation of THz wavefronts and polarization. These advancements in surface-based THz generation are paving the way for more efficient, compact, and versatile THz sources, which are crucial for unlocking the full potential of THz technologies.

The primary goal of research on THz surfaces is to address the significant challenge of developing efficient, compact, and scalable methods for producing THz radiation. THz waves have transformative potential in fields such as imaging, communication, and material characterization, but current generation methods are often limited by inefficiency, bulky setups, or lack of tunability. To overcome these barriers, this Research Topic focuses on exploring advanced surface-based approaches, particularly nonlinear optical processes, laser-induced surface interactions, and plasma-based techniques. A key objective is to harness the capabilities of terahertz metasurfaces, which are engineered to manipulate THz waves with high precision, offering enhanced control over wavefronts, polarization, and beam shaping. Additionally, the study of emerging materials such as topological insulators and organic crystals with strong nonlinear properties provides a pathway to more robust and tunable THz generation. By developing these surface-based techniques, the goal is to achieve more practical and efficient THz sources that can be integrated into a variety of industries, from telecommunications to medical diagnostics, thus unlocking the full potential of terahertz technology.

This Research Topic aims to explore advanced surface and interface-based approaches for efficient THz radiation generation. We welcome contributions addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

⦁ Nonlinear optical processes and their applications in THz production.
⦁ Laser-induced surface interactions for THz wave generation.
⦁ Plasma-based techniques in the development of THz sources.
⦁ Exploration of terahertz metasurface functionalities for wave manipulation.
⦁ Exploration of innovative materials, such as topological materials and complex crystal structures.
⦁ Studies investigating the integration of terahertz technology with spin-orbitronics, exploring potential cross-domain applications in science and technology, medical diagnostics, and more.

By broadening the research within these areas, this topic seeks to harness the full capabilities of THz radiation, facilitating a broader adoption and implementation across multiple advanced technological applications.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Terahertz, spintronics, generation, surfaces, spectroscopy, topological, emitters, submm waves

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.