Scientists at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology in Russia have created the first lens capable of dynamically changing the intensity of terahertz radiation, allowing the creation of safe medical technologies capable of replacing traditional X-rays.
The institute’s scientists explained that terahertz waves have distinctive properties in the electromagnetic spectrum, as they can penetrate through non-metallic materials without harming living cells, which makes them a promising tool in non-surgical diagnosis and imaging of the body’s internal structures.
For her part, the chief researcher at the Institute’s Photonics Center, Maria Burdanova, said, “The terahertz range is one of the least studied areas in the electromagnetic spectrum. In traditional systems, fixed lenses are used with specific characteristics of intensity and focus. Our goal was to develop a lens that can be dynamically controlled to create adaptive optics intended for medical applications.”
She added, “Imagine a medical device that emits pulsed radiation to study how biological tissues respond to the power of terahertz radiation.”
The institute’s scientists relied on carbon nanotubes to create an ultra-thin and flexible lens that can adapt to different applications, including portable systems. This new lens makes it possible to image tumors with high resolution, a level of clarity that was not previously possible.
Scientists around the world face difficulties in designing compact and adjustable systems that operate in the terahertz range, as most of the current devices are bulky and have limited capabilities.