We report the first use of differential terahertz time-domain spectroscopy for bioaffinity sensing. Binding is observed by measuring the transmission of a thin layer of biotin bound to the sensor protein avidin. We demonstrate the THz wave transmission of a sub-micron-thick film and sensitivity to 0.1 µg cm −2 of biotin. These results point the way for a host of biosensor applications using T-rays, or pulsed far-infrared (FIR) radiation.

An Australian research group has investigated a number of terahertz application areas including liquid Tray spectroscopy, bioaffinity sensing, image rendering, tomography, microwire Tray transmission, and detection through plastic layers.

We present a study of how residual hydration in fresh rat tissue samples can vastly alter their extracted terahertz (THz) optical properties and influence their health assessment. Fresh (as opposed to preserved) tissue most closely mimics in vivo conditions, but high water content creates many challenges for tissue handling and THz measurement. Our THz measurements of fresh tissue over time highlight the effect of tissue hydration on tissue texture and dimension, the latter directly influencing the accuracy of calculated optical properties. We then introduce lyophilization (freeze drying) as a viable solution for overcoming hydration and freshness problems. Lyophilization removes large amounts of water while retaining sample freshness. In addition, lyophilized tissue samples are easy to handle and their textures and dimensions do not vary over time, allowing for consistent and stable THz measurements. A comparison of lyophilized and fresh tissue shows for the first time that freeze drying may be one way of overcoming tissue hydration issues while preserving tissue cellular structure. Finally, we compare THz measurements from fresh tissue against necrotic tissue to verify freshness over time. Indeed, THz measurements from fresh and necrotic tissues show marked differences.

Terahertz (THz) radiation occupies part of the electromagnetic spectrum between the infrared and microwave bands. Until recently, technology at THz frequencies was underdeveloped compared to the rest of the electromagnetic spectrum, leaving a gap between millimeter waves and the far-infrared (FIR). In the past decade, interest in the THz gap has been increased by the development of ultrafast laser-based T-ray systems and their demonstration of diffraction-limited spatial resolution, picosecond temporal resolution, DC-THz spectral bandwidth and signal-to-noise ratios above 10 4 . This chapter reviews the development, the state of the art and the applications of T-ray spectrometers. Continuous-wave (CW) THz-frequency sources and detectors are briefly introduced in comparison to ultrafast pulsed THz systems. An emphasis is placed on experimental applications of T-rays to sensing and imaging, with a view to the continuing advance of technologies and applications in the THz band.

In this paper we analyse the trade-offs for a terahertz imaging system and discuss implementation of a terahertz micro antenna array for imaging. We also describe applications of terahertz imaging and improvements in the signal processing. ᭧