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Terahertz biomedical imaging using a terahertz emitter based on InAs nanowires.
Dong Woo Park1, Young Bin Ji2,3, Ilgyu Choi4
1Terahertz Sensor Research Section, Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute, Daejeon 34129, Republic of Korea.
Nanoscale
|February 26, 2025
Summary
Indium arsenide nanowires (InAs NWs) on silicon substrates show promise for terahertz (THz) imaging in biomedical diagnostics. These cost-effective InAs NWs offer enhanced THz amplitude and imaging resolution compared to traditional InAs substrates.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Terahertz (THz) imaging offers non-ionizing radiation for biomedical diagnostics.
- Traditional terahertz (THz) emitters often rely on expensive or complex substrate materials.
- Developing cost-effective and high-performance THz imaging solutions is crucial for widespread diagnostic adoption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the potential of indium arsenide nanowires (InAs NWs) grown on silicon (Si) substrates for terahertz (THz) imaging applications in biomedical diagnostics.
- To compare the THz emission properties and imaging capabilities of InAs NWs with those of bulk InAs substrates.
- To assess the cost-effectiveness and fabrication scalability of InAs NW-based THz devices.
Main Methods:
- Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) was employed to measure the peak-to-peak current signals and THz amplitude.
- InAs nanowires (NWs) were grown on Si(111) substrates using a catalyst-free method.
- THz imaging was performed on biological samples (pork belly, rat brain tumor tissue) using both InAs NWs and InAs substrates.
Main Results:
- Catalyst-free InAs NWs exhibited a significantly higher peak-to-peak current signal (3.37 nA) compared to InAs substrates (1.61 nA).
- The THz amplitude of InAs NWs was 47.7% greater than that of InAs wafers, even at a low fill factor of 0.034.
- THz imaging resolution achieved with InAs NWs was comparable to that of InAs substrates, demonstrating effective imaging of biological tissues.
Conclusions:
- InAs nanowires on Si substrates present a viable, cost-effective alternative for THz imaging in biomedical diagnostics.
- The enhanced THz emission properties and comparable imaging resolution of InAs NWs suggest their suitability for advanced diagnostic tools.
- Large-area, cost-effective fabrication of InAs NW-based THz devices on silicon is feasible, paving the way for practical applications.
