S. Wang

Bio: S. Wang is an academic researcher from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. The author has contributed to research in topics: Terahertz radiation & Tomography. The author has an hindex of 7, co-authored 15 publications receiving 385 citations.

T-ray Imaging and Tomography.

Abstract: We demonstrate two algorithms used forreconstructing the target's structure basedon the diffracted pulses and additionallyshow that a three-dimensional target can bereconstructed using the broadband pulsesand a Fresnel lens by virtue of itsfrequency dependent focal length. Oneadvantage of T-ray imaging is the abilityto measure the far-infrared spectralresponse of the target. To highlight theimportance of this spectral information, wedemonstrate T-ray classification imagingwith different biological samples using asimple classification algorithm and twodimensional T-ray spectroscopic images.

Identification of biological tissue using chirped probe THz imaging

Abstract: We consider the application of pulsed THz imaging systems in biomedical diagnostics and mail/packaging inspection. The sub-millimetre spectroscopic measurements obtained from T-ray systems contain a wealth of information about the sample under test. We demonstrate that different types of tissue can be classified based on their terahertz response measured with the chirped probe pulse technique. We demonstrate the performance of a quadratic classifier using linear filter models for feature extraction in the discrimination between different tissues. Modern THz systems are hindered by the slow acquisition speed. The chirped probe pulse technique offers a significant improvement in this context. We present the terahertz responses of biological samples measured using a chirped probe pulse, and discuss the problem of data processing and extracting sample characteristics.

Towards functional 3D T-ray imaging

Abstract: We review the recent development of T-ray computed tomography, a terahertz imaging technique that allows the reconstruction of the three-dimensional refractive index profile of weakly scattering objects. Terahertz pulse imaging is used to obtain images of the target at multiple projection angles and the filtered backprojection algorithm enables the reconstruction of the object's frequency-dependent refractive index. The application of this technique to a biological bone sample and a plastic test structure is demonstrated. The structure of each target is accurately resolved and the frequency-dependent refractive index is determined. The frequency-dependent information may potentially be used to extract functional information from the target, to uniquely identify different materials or to diagnose medical conditions.

Method and system for performing three-dimensional teraherz imaging on an object

Abstract: A method and a system for obtaining a series of images of a three dimensional object by transmitting pulsed terahertz (Thz) radiation (37) through the entire object (38) from a plurality of angles, optically detecting changes in the transmitted THz radiation using pulsed laser radiation, and constructing a plurality of imaged slices of the three dimensional object (38) using the detected changes in the transmitted THz radiation. The THz radiation may be transmitted through the object (38) as a scanning spot, a scanning line or a two dimensional array of parallel rays. The optical detection may similarly be a single detector or an array of detectors such as a CCD sensor (70).

Terahertz technology in biology and medicine

Abstract: Terahertz irradiation and sensing is being applied for the first time to a wide range of fields outside the traditional niches of space science, molecular line spectroscopy, and plasma diagnostics. This paper surveys some of the terahertz measurements and applications of interest in the biological and medical sciences.

Imaging with terahertz radiation

Abstract: Within the last several years, the field of terahertz science and technology has changed dramatically. Many new advances in the technology for generation, manipulation, and detection of terahertz radiation have revolutionized the field. Much of this interest has been inspired by the promise of valuable new applications for terahertz imaging and sensing. Among a long list of proposed uses, one finds compelling needs such as security screening and quality control, as well as whimsical notions such as counting the almonds in a bar of chocolate. This list has grown in parallel with the development of new technologies and new paradigms for imaging and sensing. Many of these proposed applications exploit the unique capabilities of terahertz radiation to penetrate common packaging materials and provide spectroscopic information about the materials within. Several of the techniques used for terahertz imaging have been borrowed from other, more well established fields such as x-ray computed tomography and synthetic aperture radar. Others have been developed exclusively for the terahertz field, and have no analogies in other portions of the spectrum. This review provides a comprehensive description of the various techniques which have been employed for terahertz image formation, as well as discussing numerous examples which illustrate the many exciting potential uses for these emerging technologies.

Dynamic range in terahertz time-domain transmission and reflection spectroscopy

Abstract: We present a quantitative method for identification of the dynamic range of the detectable absorption coefficient in the analysis of transmission terahertz (THz) time-domain spectroscopy data. In transmission measurements the largest detectable absorption coefficient is determined by the dynamic range of the THz signals, whereas in reflection measurements the largest detectable absorption coefficient is determined by the scan-to-scan reproducibility of the signal.

The potential of terahertz imaging for cancer diagnosis: A review of investigations to date

Abstract: The terahertz region lies between the microwave and infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum such that it is strongly attenuated by water and very sensitive to water content. Terahertz radiation has very low photon energy and thus it does not pose any ionization hazard for biological tissues. Because of these characteristic properties, there has been an increasing interest in terahertz imaging and spectroscopy for biological applications within the last few years and more and more terahertz spectra are being reported, including spectroscopic studies of cancer. The presence of cancer often causes increased blood supply to affected tissues and a local increase in tissue water content may be observed: this acts as a natural contrast mechanism for terahertz imaging of cancer. Furthermore the structural changes that occur in affected tissues have also been shown to contribute to terahertz image contrast. This paper introduces terahertz technology and provides a short review of recent advances in terahertz imaging and spectroscopy techniques. In particular investigations relating to the potential of terahertz imaging and spectroscopy for cancer diagnosis will be highlighted.