Revolutionising Terahertz Wave Manipulation: A Leap in Imaging and Communication Technology
A groundbreaking study has revealed a new method that could transform the way we manipulate and control terahertz waves, with potential applications in medical imaging, communications, and more.
Terahertz waves, a form of electromagnetic radiation, lie between microwaves and infrared light. They have unique properties that make them highly sought after, as they can penetrate materials such as clothing, paper, and plastic, providing clear images without the harmful effects of X-rays.
However, terahertz waves become distorted when they pass through complex structures like biological tissue or technological structures. Traditional optics has long viewed these disordered systems as a limit to clarity, much like looking through frosted glass. But this new study shows that we can actually harness this scattering to our advantage.
Led by **Dr. Vittorio Cecconi** from Loughborough’s Emergent Photonics Research Centre, the research team developed a new technique that enables precise control of terahertz waves as they pass through disordered materials. Using a special ultra-fast laser and a genetic algorithm that mimics natural evolution, the researchers were able to manipulate the laser’s illumination and recompose the pieces of the wave that were scrambled by the scattering. This level of control creates new forms with desired patterns and colors, opening up new possibilities for imaging and sensing applications where scattering is an issue.
“Our research demonstrates that complex media can operate as sophisticated devices that manipulate terahertz waves in ways that were previously impossible,” says **Dr. Cecconi**. “This discovery opens up new avenues in terahertz imaging and sensing.”
The study, published in ACS Photonics, is part of the European Union ERC project TIMING and was conducted in collaboration with **Prof. Jacopo Bertolotti** from Exeter University. The researchers believe that this technique could lead to advances in a wide range of fields, including medical imaging, communications, and even terahertz computing.
“The intersection between ultrafast photonics and complexity is where innovative technologies are born,” says **Prof. Peccianti**, director of the Emergent Photonics Research Centre. “By exploring this intersection, light can evolve into a powerful tool capable of capturing and processing vast amounts of information instantaneously.”
With its potential to revolutionize the way we manipulate terahertz waves, this study marks a major leap forward in imaging and communication technology. The precise spatiotemporal control enabled by this technique has the potential to unlock new applications and pave the way for future advancements in the field.
Analyst comment
Positive news. The new technique of manipulating terahertz waves in disordered materials opens up new possibilities for imaging and sensing applications. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize the field of imaging and communication technology, with advancements in medical imaging, communications, and terahertz computing. The precise control enabled by this technique will pave the way for future advancements in the market.
