Abstract

Terahertz (THz) wave bridges the electronics and photonics in the electromagnetic spectrum, which has many applications in the high-speed communication, the biochemical sensing, and the spectroscopic material characterization. With the development of nanoscience and nanotechnology, the combination of THz technology with the nanoscience forms a new interdisciplinary field called “TeraNano”, which uses the THz technology to understand the fundamental physical processes in nanomaterials. Herein, we present a tutorial review on pioneering and recent studies of THz photonics for nanomaterials. This includes the basic principles of THz time-domain spectroscopy, optical-pump THz-probe spectroscopy, and THz emission spectroscopy. Then we move to the recent progress in the THz spectroscopy on the nanowires, nanotubes, graphene, and other two-dimensional materials. The development of THz technology and nanoscience can also complement each other. After understanding THz properties of these nanomaterials, these nanomaterials can also be used as THz devices such as THz polarizers, THz modulators, THz emitters as well as anti-reflection coating layers. Finally, we give a perspective on the future development of “TeraNano” field as THz wave is still on the horizon for more applications in new nanomaterials.