Little teras

A UK project plans to bring terahertz (THz) imaging capability to low-power portable equipment, thanks to optoelectronic technology first used in the telecoms industry.

Researchers working on the four-year initiative hope it will pave the way for a new generation of miniature THz devices that are as small and easy to use as torches and cameras.

THz has potential applications ranging from disease diagnosis to weapons detection, and devices could eventually appear in doctors’ surgeries and customs halls.

Those taking part in the project include Essex University, NPL and the government’s communications R&D division. Also involved is Teraview, the UK company pioneering commercial applications for THz which has already made considerable strides in miniaturising the technology.

Prof Ian Henning, principal investigator on the £1.2m EPSRC-backed project, said the aim is to apply well-established optoelectronic technology to the particular needs of THz imaging.