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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
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Simulation, Fabrication and Characterization of THz Metamaterial Absorbers
Published on: December 27, 2012
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All-fibre-coupled terahertz single-pixel imaging for biomedical applications
Sen Mou1, Rayko I Stantchev1,2, Sonal Saxena3
1Department of Physics, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom.
Nature Communications
|January 12, 2026
Summary
We developed a fiber-coupled terahertz (THz) imaging system for real-time, non-invasive diagnostics. This compact system achieves video-rate imaging, significantly improving speed for biomedical applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Imaging
- Terahertz Spectroscopy
- Non-invasive Diagnostics
Background:
- Existing terahertz (THz) systems lack speed and adaptability for in situ applications.
- There is a need for real-time, non-invasive imaging in diagnostics and material analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel, fully fibre-coupled THz imaging system.
- To overcome limitations of current THz systems for in situ biomedical use.
Main Methods:
- Developed a fibre-coupled THz attenuated total internal reflection single-pixel imaging system.
- Utilized an unpassivated silicon wafer as a THz spatial light modulator.
- Achieved reflection geometry with fibre-coupled light.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated a compact, flexible, and robust platform for non-destructive spectroscopy and in vivo imaging.
- Enabled video-rate imaging with 360 μm spatial resolution.
- Achieved an imaging throughput over 30,000 pixels/second (64x64 images), exceeding the state of the art by over five-fold.
Conclusions:
- The fibre-coupled THz system offers a substantial improvement in real-time imaging capabilities.
- The system is suitable for seamless integration in in situ biomedical applications, including direct patient measurements.
- High-speed modulation and fibre coupling enhance THz imaging performance and versatility.
