Terahertz pioneers: A series of interviews with significant contributors to terahertz science and technology

Aa a tribute to individuals who have contributed significantly, and over many years, to the terahertz community, and as a guide and inspiration for those who are just beginning their professional associationwith this field of study, these transactions have included, on a regular basis, a series of biographical interviews with technical researchers who have appreciably impacted the THz community in a positive manner. For the seventh article in this series, we again return to the tap root of terahertz science, radio astronomy. This month we are extremely excited to relay some experiences from Caltech Professor Tom Phillips, whose pioneering career laid the groundwork formuch of submillimeter-wave astronomy.Not only is he personally responsible for developing two of the key ultra-low noise receiver technologies that have pushed THz spectral line astronomy into outer space and into the public eye, but his Caltech Submillimeter Observatory (CSO) has been the basis for 75 doctoral theses and countless scientific papers from facility users around the globe since it started operations in 1987. Professor Phillip´s list of supportive colleagues, former students and post-doctoral fellows is a Who´s Who in THz science and astronomy and we are very fortunate to be able to bring some of his history to you.