Applications of terahertz imaging technology in tumor detection

Shi Chenjun; Wu Xu; Peng Yan

doi:10.12086/oee.2020.190638

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Shi C J, Wu X, Peng Y. Applications of terahertz imaging technology in tumor detection[J]. Opto-Electron Eng, 2020, 47(5): 190638. doi: 10.12086/oee.2020.190638

Citation:

Shi C J, Wu X, Peng Y. Applications of terahertz imaging technology in tumor detection[J]. Opto-Electron Eng, 2020, 47(5): 190638. doi: 10.12086/oee.2020.190638

Applications of terahertz imaging technology in tumor detection

Shanghai Key Lab of Modern Optical System, School of Optical-Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China

Fund Project: Supported by National Key R & D Plan "Development of Major Scientific Instruments and Equipment" (2017YFF0106300), National Natural Science Foundation--Outstanding Youth Foundation (61922059), Youth Top Talent Development Plan, and Shanghai Rising-Star Program (17QA1402500)

More Information

Corresponding author: Peng Yan, E-mail:py@usst.edu.cn

Received Date 24 October 2019

Revised Date 20 March 2020

Published Date 01 May 2020

Abstract

Abstract

Terahertz radiation is an electromagnetic wave whose frequency is in the range of 0.1 THz~10 THz. With its many features such as non-ionizing and resonance to many biomolecules, THz wave has great potential applications in biomedical field, especially in tumor detection. Terahertz imaging technology, as a new imaging technology in biomedical field, is studied by many research groups around the world. In this paper, we listed and analyzed many terahertz imaging methods in tumor detection, including terahertz scanning imaging, terahertz tomography, terahertz holography, and terahertz near-field imaging. We introduced the basic principle of these imaging methods and the works done by different groups worldwide. At last, we presented the prospect of terahertz imaging technology applied in biomedical field.
- terahertz pulse imaging /
- continuous-wave terahertz imaging /
- terahertz tomography imaging /
- terahertz holography imaging /
- terahertz near-field imaging

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References

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Overview

Overview

Overview: Terahertz (THz) wave exhibits many features including non-ionizing, non-invasive, phase-sensitive to polar substances, spectral fingerprinting, relatively good resolution, coherent detection properties, and penetration capabilities. For tumor detection, traditional imaging methods such as magnetic resonance imaging and computerized tomography will cause radiation damage to biotissue, while THz imaging can provide quick, non-destructive, and accurate imaging of biotissue. Two kinds of terahertz sources are mainly used: pulse THz wave source and continuous THz wave source. Pulse THz wave source provides multi-dimensional information for the analysis of sample, while continuous THz wave source can only provide amplitude or phase images for delineation different areas. But imaging system using continuous THz source are more concise compared to that using pulse THz source. Currently, based on these two THz sources, there are four kinds of imaging technologies:

1) THz far-field scanning imaging is the most commonly used, where THz signal is collected by scanning the sample point by point and then images are constructed by these data. The resolution depends on the spot diameter and step size of the scanning, therefore, long measuring time are required for high-resolution imaging.

2) THz tomography combined THz far-field imaging system with tomography algorithm. By collecting the THz signal from different angle of sample, and then using the algorithm for analysis, 3D images of sample can be obtained. Internal structure of the sample can be observed by THz tomography. However, it will take much more time to measure the signal from different angle.

3) For THz holography, different array detectors, such as charge coupled device, pyroelectric detector, and microbolometer, are used in THz far-field imaging system. Instead of point-by-point measurement of common far-field THz imaging system, THz digital holography collects the THz signal of the whole sample at once, which greatly reduce the measurement time.

4) THz near-field imaging method collects the signal of evanescent field near the sample surface and uses these data to calculate images. So, THz near-field imaging can break the diffraction limit (λ/2) and provides the resolution three magnitudes higher than THz far-field imaging.

In the paper, we introduced the studies of these four THz imaging technologies done by different groups worldwide. At last, we presented the prospect of terahertz imaging technology applied in biomedical field.