X.-C. Zhang

Xi-Cheng Zhang joined The Institute of Optics on January 1, 2012.

Prior to Rochester, he spent 20 years at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he was Professor and Acting Head of the Department of Physics, Applied Physics and Astronomy, Professor in the Department of Electrical, Computer and System, and Founding Director of the Center for THz Research.

He is co-founder of Zomega Terahertz Corp. Graduating from Peking University in 1982, he earned his Ph.D. in physics from Brown University in 1986.

A prolific author and speaker, Prof. Zhang has 27 US patents, published 23 books and book chapters, authored and co-authored over 300 reviewed scientific papers, and delivered over 400 colloquia, seminars, invited conference presentations.

Prof. Zhang is an internationally recognized scientist and leader in Terahertz science and technology. With a frequency of more than a trillion cycles per second, THz signals occupy an extremely large portion of the electromagnetic spectrum between the infrared and microwave bands. Zhang’s contribution to the development of terahertz time-domain spectroscopy, together with other leading researchers, has recently altered this scientifically and technologically important, but historically inaccessible, spectroscopic region. Fundamental research on THz waves has the potential to trigger advances, including nondestructive testing, homeland security, and biomedical applications.

Dr. Zhang’s vision reflects the Meliora focus as he works with The Institute of Optics to continue and augment its reputation as a Jewel in the Crown of the U of R.