Advancing TeraHertz: Highlights from the First Intermediate Meeting
From 8 to 11 July 2025, partners of the Horizon Europe TeraHertz project convened in the scenic setting of Czarny Groń Hotel & SPA (Poland) for the First Intermediate Meeting and Research Workshop. This milestone gathering marked a critical moment in the project’s evolution – an opportunity to reflect on achievements, align the scientific strategy, and reinforce collaborative bonds across the consortium.
As Prof. Anatoliy Andrushchak emphasized in his opening remarks: “This meeting is not just about reporting progress – it is a moment to reflect, realign, and reaffirm our shared scientific mission. We must continue building momentum and fostering cohesion across borders and disciplines.”
Beyond technical updates, the meeting was also a moment of shared humanity. The consortium observed a minute of silence in remembrance of Ukrainian defenders lost in the war. “Their sacrifice gives our work a deeper meaning,” said Prof. Andrushchak. “It reminds us that our pursuit of knowledge exists within – and often in service of – a broader societal context.”
Scientific Seminar: Cross-WP Synergies and Challenges
Following the governance session, the workshop transitioned into a full day of scientific presentations and dialogue. Leaders of all eight work packages (WPs) delivered updates on their research directions and outputs. The presentations highlighted both substantial progress and shared challenges.
One of the key scientific focal points was the characterization of crystalline and nanoporous materials with tailored properties for terahertz applications. As noted by Prof. Andriy Kityk (PCz), “the lack of direct experimental data in the terahertz range continues to limit precise material selection – but it also motivates us to test new hypotheses and push beyond established boundaries.” His team emphasized the potential of liquid crystals and nonlinear media for future THz modulators.
Prof. Yevhen Yashchyshyn (WUT) introduced results from upgraded experimental setups capable of measuring anisotropic dielectric properties with improved accuracy. Meanwhile, theoretical modeling and simulation – led by SPC under Prof. Yaroslav Shchur – has begun to uncover vibrational spectra in the low terahertz band using the recently installed Toptica spectrometer. The integration of ab initio simulations with material growth and testing was a recurring theme, reinforcing the multidisciplinary nature of the project.
Work on crystal growth, coplanar structure development, and low-temperature gallium arsenide layers was reported by CARAT’s team, with promising parameters for future THz devices already emerging. However, the need for specific materials remains a common bottleneck. As Prof. Boucha Sahraoui (UA) put it, “our lab is ready – we can detect, measure, and characterize – but without access to properly cut and oriented nonlinear crystals, our capacity remains constrained.” The discussion gave rise to several action points regarding internal resource pooling and potential sourcing within Ukraine.
The final part of the meeting addressed future steps for translating laboratory advances into prototype components. Discussions under WP7 and WP8 outlined plans for stakeholder engagement, knowledge valorisation, and defining the commercial potential of selected components.
Looking Ahead: Planning and Implementation
As the meeting closed, there was a shared sense of cohesion and momentum. With strong scientific foundations, growing infrastructure, and coordinated action across disciplines, the TeraHertz project continues to move confidently forward.
The meeting concluded with a clear roadmap focused on reporting, continued secondments, deeper collaboration across work packages, and preparation for the upcoming midterm review. As the project enters its next phase, the TeraHertz consortium remains committed to advancing cutting-edge research in terahertz science – spanning nanophotonics, nonlinear optics, material engineering, and optoelectronic applications – through close collaboration among its international partners.
