Introduction

Abstract

The terahertz (THz) spectral region, in this book considered as the range from 0.3 to 10 THz (1 mm–30 μm), is one of the most exciting and, at the same time, most frustrating sectors of the electromagnetic spectrum. Exciting because of the wealth of knowledge that can be gained from research at these frequencies, frustrating because, until recently, techniques have lagged behind those at lower and higher frequencies. But before introducing these real difficulties there is a more trivial dilemma – what is the best name for this spectral range?