Terahertz in China, a focus on THz Research & Development Network of China

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My Note: In my effort to search for THz development across the globe I did a search of the net regarding THz in China. I came across the THz Research & Development Network of China, as well as the story of the sale in 2007 by Advanced Photonix of it's prior generation, T-Ray 2000, to Tsinghua University. http://www.thznetwork.org.cn/english/about.asp

Recently THz radiation has been applied in various fields such as chemistry, physics, medicine and material studies, etc. At the same time, the THz experiment equipment has been developed quickly. China has set up a couple of THz research centers, proposed by some far-sighted scientists and academicians such as Jinpei Chen, Xiangwan Du, Shenggang Liu, Guozhen Yang, Jianquan Yao, Jie Zhang, and Peiheng Wu, etc. Fruitful results have been achieved with the progress of its research. On 22 to 24, November, 2005, the 270th seminar on “New Development of THz” was held in Xiangshan Hotel in Beijing, which was a milestone to start a new era of Chinese THz research and application. Assisted by the THz Research Centers of University of Electric Science and Technology in China (UESTC) and Shenzheng University, THz Research & Development Network of China(TRDNC) has been established to provide a platform for introduction and connection of THz researchers, direct channel of academic communication, and access to interaction at home and abroad. THz Technology innovation, application research of related fields, and the participation of enterprises for marketing exploration will also be benefited from TRDNC, which bridges the support from the government and THz field research. The Chinese version of TRDNC has been attracted great attention from China. The registered members are from various renowned Chinese universities and institutes, such as UESTC, Zhejiang University, Shanghai Technology and Physics Institute of Chinese Academy of Science, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Shenzhen University, Bejing Aviations University, University of Technology in China, Tianjin Universtiy, Fujian Material Structure Institute of Chinese Academy of Science, etc. The THz experts outside China have also been attracted by this website. Aimed at a more convenient access for THz scholars overseas and a better information exchanging, the English version of CTRDN has been established too! The English version opens the window of Chinese THz research to the overseas researchers and related professionals aimed at introducing the latest progress, experiments, research theses and news. We believe it will be a bridge to connect the THz scholars at home and abroad for a better communication and cooperation. Thank you! ---- As noted above, here is the API press release from 2007. Advanced Photonix, Inc. Announces Entry into China Terahertz Research Market ANN ARBOR, Mich., Mar 15, 2007 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Advanced Photonix, Inc. (AMEX:API) today announced that the Picometrix T-Ray(TM) 2000 has been chosen by Tsinghua University, Beijing, China, to be the focal point of their investigations into the applications of terahertz technology. Picometrix, an API company, has received a purchase order from Tsinghua University that is expected to be shipped within 2 months. In addition to the purchase of the system, Picometrix has entered into an agreement that permits its use of the university's terahertz application development lab for customer demonstrations. The T-Ray(TM) 2000 is a laboratory instrument that produces, detects and analyzes ultrashort pulses of terahertz waves used for research and development of novel imaging and spectroscopy applications in the industrial non-destructive testing, homeland security, and defense markets. Application development is the critical first step in the adoption and widespread deployment of terahertz equipment on the factory floor and in the field. The system's patented fiber coupling permits automated or manual scanning of the sensor heads over the objects being scanned. This permits the rapid imaging of any size object, greatly improves research productivity, allows the system to operate in ruggedized environments, and eliminates the need to fit the object into specialized fixtures in order to be scanned. The industry leading signal to noise ratio of the T-Ray(TM) platform allows even thick samples to be scanned rapidly. To date terahertz application development has been focused on detecting concealed weapons and explosives for eventual use in the homeland security market and for determining uniformity of coating thickness, performing weight and water measurements, and identifying hidden defects to insure product uniformity for eventual use in the quality control non-destructive testing market. Tsinghua University, known as the "M.I.T. of China," was established in 1911, and has 13 schools, 26,000 students and 2,800 faculty members. With a reputation for excellence in Science and Engineering, Tsinghua produces many of China's top scientists, engineers, and business leaders. "We are excited to be working with top researchers in China. Their selection of the T-Ray(TM) 2000 as the instrument of choice for terahertz research and application development in a competitive bidding process confirms the industry leading features and versatility of the T-Ray(TM) product line," said Richard Kurtz, CEO of API. About Advanced Photonix, Inc. Advanced Photonix, Inc.(R) (AMEX:API) is a leading supplier of opto-electronic solutions and Terahertz instrumentation to a global OEM customer base. Products include the patented High speed optical receivers in APD and PIN configurations and silicon Large Area Avalanche Photodiode (LAAPD), PIN photodiode and FILTRODE(R) detectors. More information on Advanced Photonix can be found at http://www.advancedphotonix.com. The information contained herein includes forward looking statements that are based on assumptions that management believes to be reasonable but are subject to inherent uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, unforeseen technological obstacles which may prevent or slow the development and/or manufacture of new products; potential problems with the integration of the acquired company and its technology and possible inability to achieve expected synergies; obstacles to successfully combining product offerings and lack of customer acceptance of such offerings; limited (or slower than anticipated) customer acceptance of new products which have been and are being developed by the Company; and a decline in the general demand for optoelectronic products. SOURCE: Advanced Photonix, Inc. Advanced Photonix, Inc. Richard Kurtz, 734-864-5647