The researchers explain that terahertz waves have unique properties in the electromagnetic spectrum, as they can penetrate non-metallic materials without harming living cells, making them a promising tool in non-invasive diagnosis and imaging of internal body structures.
Maria Bordanova, senior researcher at the Institute's Center for Photonics, says: "The terahertz range is one of the least studied areas of the electromagnetic spectrum. In conventional systems, fixed lenses with specific intensity and focusing characteristics are used. Our goal was to develop a dynamically controllable lens to create adaptive optics for medical applications. Imagine a medical device emitting pulsed radiation to study how biological tissues respond to the power of terahertz radiation."
Scientists around the world face difficulties in designing compact and adaptable systems that operate in the terahertz range, as most current devices are bulky and have limited capabilities.
The Russian research team used carbon nanotubes to create an ultra-thin, flexible lens that can be adapted to various applications, including portable systems. This new lens enables high-resolution imaging of tumors, a level of clarity previously unattainable.