Recent advances in terahertz technology for biomedical applications.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Imaging
• Optics and Photonics
• Medical Physics

Background:

• Terahertz (THz) instrumentation has seen significant advancements, leading to more affordable and user-friendly imaging systems.
• THz technology is now accessible to non-experts, accelerating research in diverse applications.
• The non-ionizing nature and high soft tissue sensitivity of THz light drive growing interest in biomedical uses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent progress in terahertz imaging for biomedical applications.
• To highlight advancements in understanding contrast mechanisms and image interpretation in THz biomedical imaging.
• To suggest future research directions in the field.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent scientific literature on terahertz instrumentation and biomedical applications.
• Analysis of studies focusing on in vivo and ex vivo terahertz imaging of biological tissues.
• Exploration of research into terahertz contrast origins and image interpretation techniques.

Main Results:

• Terahertz imaging systems are increasingly affordable and easier to operate.
• Significant progress has been made in applying THz imaging to both in vivo and ex vivo biomedical studies.
• Ongoing research is deepening the understanding of contrast generation and interpretation in THz biomedical images.

Conclusions:

• Terahertz imaging is a rapidly developing, non-ionizing technology with substantial potential in biomedical applications.
• Ease of use and affordability of THz systems facilitate broader research adoption.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate contrast mechanisms and optimize image interpretation for clinical translation.