This focused workshop is motivated by the fact that the mid-infrared and THz regions provide unique opportunities for applications in security (optical counter-measures, non-ionising body scanning), environmental sensing (DIAL aerosol sensing, spectroscopic stand-off detection) and medicine (tissue ablation, endoscopic surgery, dentistry).  The UK and US have substantial – and in many cases complementary – expertise in both sources and detectors for mid-IR and THz radiation.  The contribution that mid-IR and THz technology can make towards addressing strategic grand challenges in security, climate change and healthcare means that closer cooperation is likely to provide mutual benefits by accelerating research in these areas.


Why attend this workshop?

The purpose of this workshop is to:

  1. Deliver a clear perspective of the technical state-of-the-art in mid-IR and THz technology;

  2. Quantify the drive for mid-IR and THz technology in spectroscopy, imaging, security, environmental protection and other applications;

  3. Identify technical opportunities for synergistic research between UK and US scientists working in industry and academia, for example by sharing expertise in and access to detectors, mid-IR materials, sources and techniques;

  4. Map out practical routes for sustainably supporting such collaborative research;

  5. Initiate new collaborations which address the materials, source-engineering and detector requirements of future applications of mid-IR and THz radiation;

  6. Inform funding policy priorities by developing a consensus as to where the major research challenges lie in mid-IR and THz photonics, and their potential economic and societal benefits.


Workshop registration and agenda

The outline agenda is available here.  Participation in the workshop is open to industrial and academic researchers, and representatives from research councils and other funding agencies. The registration fee is £250, which includes all meals but does not cover accommodation.


To register, please complete the online registration form.  The closing date for registrations is Friday 23 November 2012.

US-UK Workshop in Mid-IR to THz Technology and Applications


Monday 18 February – Tuesday 19 February 2013

Royal Society of Edinburgh, 22-24 George Street, Edinburgh, UK

Venue and local hotel accommodation in Edinburgh

The Royal Society of Edinburgh is Scotland’s ‘National Academy of Arts and Science.’  It is located in the centre of Edinburgh, and is around 10 minutes walk from the nearby Waverley Railway Station.


Hotel accommodation is available from approximately £65 / night upwards.  Suggested hotels, with approximate walking times to the Royal Society of Edinburgh are:

  1. Hotel Novotel Edinburgh Centre (15 – 20 minutes)

  2. Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre (10 minutes)

  3. Premier Inn Edinburgh Central (15 – 20 minutes)

  4. The George Hotel (1 minute)


Early booking is recommended to secure your preferred accommodation.

Further information

Please email the workshop organiser, Prof. Derryck Reid of Heriot-Watt University, for further information.