New Microchip Could Allow For X-Ray Vision on Smartphones X-ray
vision. What was once a superpower you could only find in comic
book may soon become a reality on future smartphones. Scientists
at the University of Texas at Dallas have developed a new
imaging chip that could allow smartphones to become miniature
X-ray devices. Portions of the electromagnetic spectrum are
already used for consumer devices. For example, microwaves are
used to cook food, broadcast radio uses AM and FM waves, and
infrared waves are used for seeing in the dark. For their
purposes, the researchers used waves in the terahertz range.
“We’ve created approaches that open a previously untapped
portion of the electromagnetic spectrum for consumer use and
life-saving medical applications,” O said. “The terahertz range
is full of unlimited potential that could benefit us all.” The
researchers’ approach reduces the size of the mechanics needed
to create images with terahertz waves. Combined with CMOS
technology–which is used in a number of c