Yissum: novel nanotechnology for imaging using T-rays

Research lead

Yissum Research Development Company, the technology transfer arm of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, has announced that researchers from the Racah Institute of Physics have invented a new design of TeraHertz-ray (T-ray) laser, which will make T-ray based cameras and spectrometers practical for use in medical imaging and security applications.

The novel device will have 400 times higher gain than THz quantum cascade lasers, the only coherent T-ray sources existing today.

T-rays are electromagnetic waves with a wavelength shorter than microwave but longer than infrared. They are attractive for various imaging applications for three main reasons: they can penetrate through materials including clothing and walls, they are harmless, and they can detect various chemicals, in particular explosives.

Despite these advantages T-rays are barely used at present due to lack of T-ray emitters that will generate powerful, coherent and adjustable terahertz waves. The invention overcomes these current limitations and points the way to the design of effective THz lasers.

“TeraHertz rays are the imaging method of the future. They are comparable to X-rays in terms of their ability to penetrate opaque substances, but more importantly, they are harmless,” said Yaacov Michlin, CEO of Yissum. “The novel method to produce efficient T-ray emitters will enable the use of this important imaging source for various applications, including security and medical applications.”