International Symposium on Terahertz Science and Technology between Japan and Sweden

The organisers and hosts warmly welcome you to the second International Symposium on Terahertz Science and Technology between Japan and Sweden, at Chalmers University of Technology, G\uf6teborg, on November 18-20, 2009. The symposium is organised by the Department of Microtechnology and Nanoscience (MC2) at Chalmers. The aim is to create a forum and platform where researchers from the two countries can discuss latest results and trends in the field of terahertz science and technology. This year we have two keynote and 19 invited lectures divided into nine sessions.Sandwiched between the optical on the short wavelength side and radio on the long wavelength extreme, the terahertz (THz) or far-infrared has long been considered the last remaining scientific gap in the electromagnetic spectrum. The broad spectrum of THz applications has attracted researchers from different disciplines dealing with optics and photonics, microwave engineering and semiconductor physics. The role of this meeting is not only bridging the THz-gap but also strengthening the collaboration between Japan and Sweden.Chalmers is a university of technology in which research and teaching are conducted on a broad front within technology, natural science and architecture. Chalmers was founded in 1829. The university is named after the major benefactor, William Chalmers, one of the directors of the successful Swedish East India Company in G\uf6teborg. Chalmers became an independent foundation in 1994. The meeting will be held at William Chalmers private residence, Chalmerska huset, which was erected in 1805-1807 and designed in a neoclassical style.The workshop is sponsored by the Swedish Research Council (VR) and MC2, Chalmers. We would like to thank these organisations for their support. We would also like to thank everyone who helped to arrange Japan-Sweden Terahertz Symposium (JSTS) 2009: the international steering committee for advice; the local organising committee: Eva Hellberg, Aleksandra Malko, Aik-Yean Tang, Dr. Sergey Cherednichenko, Dr. Biddut Banik and Prof. Dag Winkler for all practical efforts; Eriko Naito and Prof. Anders Karlsson at the Embassy of Sweden in Tokyo; our host Anna Bergius Hartman during the stay in Chalmerska huset; Dr. G\uf6ran Alestig for arranging the lab tour; invited speakers and everyone who attends or contributes to this event.On behalf of the local organising committee, we would like to welcome you all and wish you a pleasant and fruitful stay in G\uf6teborg.Welcome!Jan Stake JSTS 2009 Chairma