Next-Generation Terahertz Sensing through Chiral Plasmonic Surface Waves

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $370,359 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy has advanced significantly in both fundamental research and commercial applications. However, chirality sensing, which is critical for biomedical sciences, remains largely underexplored. This proposed research aims to address key challenges in terahertz sensing, aiming to significantly amplify the chiral densities of plasmonic terahertz surface waves and consequently chiral-chiral interactions between the waves and a molecule so that they can become an enabling form of electromagnetic wave in the integrated terahertz sensing systems for biomedical applications. The innovations obtained from this research represent a technological breakthrough, which will usher in a new generation of functional terahertz sensing devices and components with greatly improved efficiency, bandwidth, miniaturization, and robustness to meet the needs of scientific, commercial and military sectors. This research has two primary objectives: (1) to develop and experimentally demonstrate excitation mechanisms of chiral terahertz plasmonic surface waves; (2) to experimentally demonstrate chirality sensing with plasmonic surface waves in the terahertz regime. By achieving these objectives, the project will advance terahertz chirality sensing and plasmonic technologies, resulting in innovations such as polarization-controlled launching of chiral terahertz plasmonic surface waves, enhanced chirality sensing with improved chiral-chiral interactions, and novel meta-device

Key facts

NSF award ID
2526715
Awardee
Oklahoma State University (OK)
SAM.gov UEI
NNYDFK5FTSX9
PI
Weili Zhang
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
Light generation & detection, Photonic integration, EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES, REU SUPP-Res Exp for Ugrd Supp
Estimated total
$370,359
Funds obligated
$380,359
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028