Active research and development are now progressing on the application of electromagnetic waves known as terahertz waves. Universities, national research institutions, venture companies, and even major corporations are now beginning research and development in this area. Many examples demonstrate the usefulness of sensing and imaging with terahertz waves in various aspects of industry and society. Discussions have also begun on new high-bit-rate ultra-short-distance wireless technology that takes advantage of the ultra-high-frequency characteristics of terahertz waves. At this stage we cannot even imagine the eventual number and kinds of terahertz applications that will emerge. According to the March 2005 “Terahertz Technology Trend Report” of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications and the “Terahertz Technologies, R&D, Commercial Implication and Market Forecast” of Fuji-Keizai USA Inc. issued in August 2007, the question is not whether the market for terahertz technology will increase - it inevitably will - but by how much.

The National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) launched its “Terahertz Project” in April 2006. The Terahertz Project aims to develop fundamental terahertz technologies at the national level for expanding applications in diverse fields.