Dr. Weili Zhang receives research funding from NSF

 Dr. Weili Zhang, Associate Professor of ECEN, is recently awarded a research grant on the subject of Terahertz plasmonic subwavelength photonics by the National Science Foundation (NSF).

This NSF project focuses on fundamental investigation and development of two-dimensional plasmonic photonics with models of subwavelength microstructures functioning at terahertz frequencies. Dr. Zhang and his students will continue their efforts on resonant terahertz transmission of subwavelength plasmonic structures and the surface effects of terahertz surface plasmons. A proof-of-concept study will be undertaken to test the capability of using terahertz surface plasmons in biosensing applications. In addition, tunable terahertz surface plasmon polaritons and localized surface plasmons will be investigated. The combination of surface plasmon polaritons and terahertz spectroscopy will be a fruitful field both in fundamental understanding the properties of terahertz surface plasmons and their optoelectronic applications. Advances in terahertz plasmonics will enable development of novel terahertz optoelectronic and photonic devices that will impact a broad range of disciplines. The educational component of this project consists of new course development and student training at various levels.