The International Terahertz Innovation Center is oriented toward the frontiers of global science and major national needs. Addressing internationally recognized scientific problems and technological challenges in the terahertz field—specifically the shortage of efficient radiation sources, core devices, and system-integration technologies—it conducts research on high-power, strong-field terahertz source theory and technology; terahertz devices based on novel materials and structures; terahertz nanophotonics and near-field optics; and terahertz system integration and applications. Organized around flagship projects, the Center combines cutting-edge research with high-level international academic exchange to cultivate outstanding talent, accelerate coordinated technology translation, and build a world-class hub for terahertz science, education, and technology transfer.

Through close collaboration with leading universities and research institutes in China and abroad—and with support from national major instrumentation programs, key R&D initiatives, and national laboratories—the team has set world records for millijoule- and tens-of-millijoule-class lithium-niobate strong-field terahertz sources; proposed a spin-driven strong-field terahertz radiation mechanism that requires no external magnetic bias; realized a suite of integrated devices for emission control; and developed multiple strong-field terahertz source platforms that underpin frontier research and applications in strong-field terahertz control of matter, electron acceleration, and biomedical effects.