[Applications of terahertz spectroscopy and imaging techniques in food safety inspection]

With the development of ultra-fast laser technology and the further understanding of the mechanism behind the interaction of terahertz radiation and materials, THz radiation is actively developed as a new-style technology for a wide range of applications. Currently THz spectroscopy and imaging techniques show great promise in security detection, medical diagnosis, wireless communication, pharmaceutical and many other areas. Because of the growing importance of food safety issues, the detection technology of food safety is also faced with great opportunities and challenges, while THz spectroscopy and imaging techniques provide a new solution to the problem. Compared to other technologies, THz radiation with higher signal-to-noise ratio and wide dynamic range can simultaneously obtain both frequency-domain and time-domain information of the sample which relates to the information of physical structure and chemical composition of materials. Above all THz radiation features unique advantages in food safety inspection. In the present paper, the brief concept of terahertz radiation was introduced, while the properties and technical methods of THz wave were also discussed. The most recent progress in THz technology used in food safety inspection was summarized. The prospect and restricted factors of this novel technology in food industry were also discussed.