Terahertz Technologies in Sub-Kelvin Cryogenic Environments for Emerging Quantum Phenomena
Elena Redchenko, Vladislav Ulitco, Mariia Zhuldybina +3 more
The terahertz (THz) regime of electromagnetic radiation, spanning frequencies from 0.1 to tens of THz, has found widespread use in communication, sensing, quality control, and biomedical applications. Quantum realm of THz domain is, however, still at an earlier development stage and mostly referenced in the context of applied technologies for single-photon generation and detection, with rarer examples of exploration of quantum phenomena. Recent advances in cryogenic hybrid quantum systems suggest that THz radiation may play a pivotal role in emerging quantum technologies. These systems, which require operation at milliKelvin temperatures, offer new opportunities for quantum memory, frequency transduction, and precision measurements, with THz radiation enabling access to molecular vibrational, rotational, and librational transitions. Despite progress in THz components at low temperatures, there remains a critical gap in the systematic integration of THz technologies within sub-Kelvin cryogenic platforms such as dilution refrigerators and adiabatic demagnetization systems. This review presents a comprehensive roadmap for the development of THz photonics in extreme cryogenic environments, addressing implementation strategies, material considerations, waveguide and fiber technologies, and quantum-compatible detection schemes. We further highlight prospective applications in quantum optics, superconductivity, and fundamental physics, aiming to establish THz photonics as a versatile tool for controlling and probing quantum states in sub-Kelvin regimes.
•Sep 22, 2026•0 citations