An introduction to medical imaging with coherent terahertz frequency radiation

• Published in: Physics in medicine & biology Vol. 47; no. 7; pp. R67 - R84
• Main Authors: Fitzgerald, A J, Berry, E, Zinovev, N N, Walker, G C, Smith, M A, Chamberlain, J M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bristol IOP Publishing 07.04.2002; Institute of Physics
• Subjects: Alginates - chemistry; Biological and medical sciences; Biological effects of radiation; Diagnostic Imaging - methods; Electromagnetic Phenomena; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Glucuronic Acid; Hexuronic Acids; Humans; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Medical sciences; Miscellaneous. Technology; Models, Theoretical; Non ionizing radiations. Hertzian waves. Biooptics; Pathology. Cytology. Biochemistry. Spectrometry. Miscellaneous investigative techniques; Photons; Radiation; Scattering, Radiation; Skin - radiation effects; Spectrophotometry; Tissues, organs and organisms biophysics; Human; Evaluation; Rayleigh scattering; Electromagnetic; Non ionizing irradiation; Millimetric wave; Frequency; Medical imagery; Infrared spectrum; Safety; Spatial resolution; Medical application; Signal to noise ratio
• ISSN: 0031-9155; 1361-6560; 1361-6560
• DOI: 10.1088/0031-9155/47/7/201

Methods have recently been developed that make use of electromagnetic radiation at terahertz (THz) frequencies, the region of the spectrum between millimetre wavelengths and the infrared, for imaging purposes. Radiation at these wavelengths is non-ionizing and subject to far less Rayleigh scatter than visible or infrared wavelengths, making it suitable for medical applications. This paper introduces THz pulsed imaging and discusses its potential for in vivo medical applications in comparison with existing modalities.