I recently attended the IRMMW-THz 2008 conference at CalTech in
which they theme of the conference is “Terahertz for Life” which
represents the expansion of Terahertz research from optics and
communications to include big physics and life science.
Terahertz waves are now applied to chemistry, biophysics and
medicine, as well as astrophysics and astronomy. Terahertz
extends from frequencies of 0.3THz (a wavelength of 1 mm) to 10
THz (30 micrometers) which offer unique imaging properties. The
short wavelengths of terahertz rays provide enough spatial
resolution for 3D micro imaging. Also, they don’t have
physiological damaging effects as X-rays. There are several ways
to generate terahertz waves. Lasers are the preferred method.
Laser light can control at a high level the spectral and
temporal elements. In the exhibit area were several companies
with systems for controlling terahertz signals for commercial
and research applications. There was Loeffler-Technology which
performs mm-wave imaging with terahertz sig