MRI: Development of Tomographic Imaging Instrumentation with Terahertz Radiation

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Development of Tomographic Imaging Instrumentation with Terahertz RadiationA Project SummaryThe Center for Terahertz (THz) Research at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is seeking NSFsupport for the development of a THz wave tomographic imaging system that will provide thefirst-ever THz capability to produce real-time, large-scale, long-distance, three-dimensional (3D)images. Like conventional X-ray CT systems, the THz system will provide 3D mapping ofstructured objects, but without subjecting biological tissue to harmful radiation. In addition, itwill offer important spectroscopic information that conventional systems cannot supply. Theinstrumentation will provide real-time images across an ultra-wide frequency band, extendingfrom 100 gigahertz to 10 terahertz, at a variable frame rate from single-shot up to 1,000 framesper second, and it will be able to non-invasively image moving objects, turbulent flows, orexplosions.THz research is central to Rensselaer's strategic plan because it is a key enabling technology forboth of the university's major focus areas, information technology and biotechnology.Rensselaer has strongly supported the formation of the THz Center, with Dr. Zhang as foundingdirector. The university is providing 5,000 square feet of laboratory space, substantial financialsupport for renovation and equipment, and three new faculty positions in the next four years,with a concomitant increase in graduate and undergraduate researchers.Intellectual merit: The proposed instrumentation will be an important step forward for THzscience. During the last decade, Rensselaer's team has been exploring this previously hiddenportion of the electromagnetic spectrum, which is located between the infrared and themicrowave bands. Basic THz science and technology is in its infancy, but as it improves, it hasthe potential to trigger transformational advances that will impact economic development andquality of life at every level. Examples of interdisciplinary fields that could gain important newinstrumentation include homeland security, biomedical research, communications, environmentalmonitoring, agriculture, and forensic science.Broader impact: Successful development of the equipment will have a broad impact. In recentyears, worldwide excitement about this field has grown exponentially, as evidenced by anexpanding number of research groups that have published more than 1,400 scientific papers onTHz science since 1990. During the last several years, scientists and engineers from 75universities, companies, and clinics have visited Rensselaer THz-related programs, andRensselaer's team has helped scientists from 18 countries learn how to use THz sensors. Thisnew instrumentation will be a key enabling technology for the THz Center, providing newresearch capabilities for an interdisciplinary group of Rensselaer faculty, postdoctoral associates,and graduate and undergraduate students, as well as for visiting scientists and externalcollaborators. It will be used to test numerous advanced sensing and imaging concepts in theTHz frequency range, with immediate concentration on homeland security and a longer-terminterest in biomedical applications. Jefferson Laboratory, UC Santa Barbara, and Rensselaerhave proposed creation of the National THz User Facility, and this system would be at the heartof one of the user nodes. Based on past experience with Rensselaer's THz research, theinstrumentation is also expected to provide a model for systems that will be developed inlaboratories around the world.