Applications of terahertz frequency technologies in biology

Over the past few decades, researchers have made significant progress on exploring the potential biomedical applications of terahertz frequency spectroscopic and imaging instrumentation as summarized by Yang et.al. 1 Advances in terahertz source/receiver hardware have facilitated these developments, promising new operative screening options for meeting the standard care challenges in areas such as breast cancer. 2 Since the terahertz radiation is a non-invasive and non-ionizing illumination source proven for characterizing biomolecules, terahertz imaging techniques are being broadly investigated for both in vitro and in vivo evaluations. Spectroscopic methodologies have also enabled demonstrative studies involving the chemical analysis of human breath. 3