Invited Review Article: Current State of Research on Biological Effects of Terahertz Radiation

Abstract

In recent years, terahertz radiation sources are increasingly being exploited in military and civil applications. However, only a few studies have so far been conducted to examine the biological effects associated with terahertz radiation. In this study, we evaluated the cellular response of mesenchymal mouse stem cells exposed to THz radiation. We apply low-power radiation from both a pulsed broad-band (centered at 10 THz) source and from a CW laser (2.52 THz) source. Modeling, empirical characterization, and monitoring techniques were applied to minimize the impact of radiation-induced increases in temperature. qRT-PCR was used to evaluate changes in the transcriptional activity of selected hyperthermic genes. We found that temperature increases were minimal, and that the differential expression of the investigated heat shock proteins (HSP105, HSP90, and CPR) was unaffected, while the expression of certain other genes (Adiponectin, GLUT4, and PPARG) showed clear effects of the THz irradiation after prolonged, broad-band exposure.

Using a portable terahertz spectrometer to measure the optical properties ofin vivohuman skin

“…These values are comparable to those reported in previous reports. 7,8,[11][12][13] Our statistical analyses indicate that the magnitude of the absorption coefficient is comparable for all tissue regions that we measured [ Fig. 3(b)].…”

“…In fact, only a few studies have been conducted to characterize the optical properties of in vivo human tissues at THz frequencies. 8,13,14 In addition, previous studies were performed with conventional THz spectrometers, which are not amenable for field applications. In this study, we demonstrate that a portable THz time-domain spectroscopy (TDS) system can be used to accurately measure the optical properties of human skin tissue at THz frequencies.…”

Accurate parameter extraction from liquids measured using on-chip terahertz spectroscopy

“…T ERAHERTZ time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) is of interest for the investigation of bio-molecular dynamics [1]. Free space THz-TDS is a well-established technique for the extraction of sample parameters such as absorption and permittivity.…”

Detection of IR and sub/THz radiation using MCT thin layer structures: design of the chip, optical elements and antenna pattern

“…Compact terahertz sources and detectors are under development to generate, detect and manipulate coherent THz signals. Terahertz (THz) imaging and sensing technologies are increasingly being used in a host of medical, military, and security applications [2].…”