Zhang establishes new field in terahertz chirality sensing

Zhang establishes new field in terahertz chirality sensing

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Media Contact: Desa James | Communications Coordinator | 405-744-2669 | [email protected]

Regents Professor Weili Zhang, a global leader in photonics research, has received a prestigious National Science Foundation award to establish a brand-new field: terahertz chirality sensing.

Since joining the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology's School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Oklahoma State University in 2002, Zhang has pushed the boundaries of terahertz plasmonics, metamaterials and ultrafast photonics.

His pioneering work has influenced diverse areas including invisibility cloaking, plasmonic circuits and advanced sensing technologies. Recognized as a Fellow of OPTICA and repeatedly named a Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher, Zhang continues to expand OSU's international reputation in cutting-edge science.

This new NSF-funded initiative builds on his legacy of innovation by addressing one of the most pressing challenges in chemistry and biotechnology - detecting molecular "handedness."

Many molecules come in two mirror-image versions, much like right and left hands. These "chiral" molecules can have dramatically different effects on the body: one version of a drug may heal, while the other might be ineffective or even harmful. Detecting chirality with precision is therefore vital in fields like pharmaceuticals, chemical engineering and biotechnology.

Current tools, however, often lack the sensitivity needed to reliably measure these differences. Zhang's project aims to solve this by using terahertz waves - a part of the electromagnetic spectrum between microwaves and infrared light - combined with plasmonic surface waves to amplify interactions with molecules.

In simpler terms, the research uses special light waves to "listen" more carefully to how molecules twist and turn, making it easier to detect their unique signatures.

The project introduces several world-first techniques. For example, the team will use circularly polarized light to launch chiral surface plasmon waves on plain metal surfaces, avoiding the need for complex nanostructures. They will also design new devices that manipulate terahertz waves with extreme precision. To prove the approach works, the team will test real-world examples such as different forms of ibuprofen.

The impact of this work extends well beyond the laboratory.

By advancing terahertz technologies, the project opens the door to new applications in health care, security and communications - sectors that directly affect Oklahoma communities. For instance, better chirality detection could improve the development of safe, effective medicines, while advanced sensing methods could strengthen security screening and communications systems.

At OSU, the project also enriches education. Students will gain hands-on training in advanced fabrication, cleanroom processes and high-tech measurement techniques, preparing them for careers in science and engineering. Outreach efforts, such as open houses and CEAT's Summer Bridge programs, will introduce younger students to photonics and inspire future scientists across the state.

By leading this groundbreaking effort, Zhang and his team are not only advancing global science but ensuring Oklahoma remains at the forefront of innovation in next-generation technologies.