Antennas and Electromagnetics Group seminar – 23rd of Feb. 2026
When: Monday, February 23, 2026, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where: Hybrid mode: In-person: G.O. Jones: 610 + Online
On the 23rd of Feb. we will have a talk from Dr Peter Harrop. The title of Dr Peter Harrop’s talk is: “Terahertz Commercial Opportunities 2026-2046”. Full details below.
Abstract: This presentation gives an industry view of terahertz opportunities emerging 2026-2046. Terahertz frequencies attract for many reasons. Fusion MW-level gyrotrons are more efficient 0.1THz. 6G Communications can only meet most of its promises such as Tbps data rates and sub mS latency if it moves far beyond the 5G frequencies at launch 2030. 0.1-0.3THz for one kilometer in all-weather conditions?
Military/ security THz market is largest, notably body scanners 0.1-0.3 THz. After effects of THz Taser equivalent? Medical is biggest opportunity: research, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, therapies, notably cancer. Sensors, imaging, spectrometry. biomacromolecules have strong 3–6 THz absorbance. Mediate cellular morphology or function by exciting nonlinear resonance effects in proteins, DNA but little understood.
THz gap partly overcome with plasmonic graphene etc. but few low-loss dielectrics, too many toxigen intermediaries. In latest medically-related THz research, most popular are graphene, GaAs-based, aluminas, silicas, PTFE, silicon-based, polyethylenes then polypropylenes. The metamaterials will easily be mass-produced. Patterning in active material such as vanadium dioxide progresses THz industry from components-in-a-box to structural electronics, reducing size, cost, losses, failure modes.
Bio: Dr Peter Harrop BSc, PhD Physics. Chief Executive Mars Electronics - $1M to $260M, Queen's Award for Exports. Sold for $500M. Board of $3 billion Mars UK 1978-1986, Brunel University. Chairman of 15 high technology companies. Fellow Institute of Physics, Institute of Electrical En-gineering, Chartered Institute of Marketing.
Hybrid mode: In-person: G.O. Jones: 610 + Online (Click here to join the meeting)
Key contact: SaeJune Park