Terahertz pulsed imaging-A potential medical imaging modality?

Terahertz imaging has progressed significantly over the last decade and there is now a significant body of research in its application to biomedical problems with the possibility of developing it into viable medical imaging modality in the future. The motivation being to fill some of the shortfalls in existing medical imaging technologies especially in detecting early stage cancers. We review the main developments in terahertz imaging to-date and highlight the most promising current areas of biomedical terahertz research. Additionally, we provide an overview of the principles behind terahertz imaging along with illustrated examples to aid understanding for those new to the technology. I Our aim is to increase awareness of the existence and potential of the technology and inspire solutions to the remaining challenges in developing terahertz imaging into a novel medica imaging modality. (C) 2009 Etsevier B.V. All rights reserved.