University of Arkansas to Use TeraView's Terahertz System for Medical and Biological Imaging and Nanomaterial Characterization Research

+TeraView has supplied a state-of-the-art terahertz imaging system to the University of Arkansas. The TPS Spectra 3000 will expand the use of terahertz radiation in a variety of research fields like breast cancer imaging and the fabrication of nanoscale materials.

In 2012, the National Science Foundation has awarded Magda El-Shenawee, Principal Investigator, professor of electrical engineering, a new terahertz imaging and spectroscopy system to conduct cutting edge research at the University of Arkansas. Co-investigators are Greg Salamo, distinguished professor of physics, and Steve Stephenson, research professor in biological sciences, at the University of Arkansas; Robert Griffin, professor of radiation oncology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences; and Gilbert Pacey, senior research scientist at IDCAST CBRNE and THz.

Dr. El-Shenawee will use the system to expand the understanding and applications of terahertz imaging in medical research. “Among many important applications, this system will allow us to continue our work on developing a non-hazardous and non-invasive imaging system for breast-cancer,” said Dr. El-Shenawee. “Because of the unique properties of terahertz light, the system will help reduce cancer recurrence by contributing to the thermal ablation of tumors.” Terahertz pulsed imaging (TPI™) provides good contrast between different types of soft tissue, and is a sensitive means of detecting the degree of water content as well as other markers of cancer and other diseases. “The major advantage of the system is that it allows measurements to be taken without destroying the sample material in the process,” said Dr. Stephenson.

In addition, the TPS Spectra 3000 will help researchers investigate the terahertz properties of novel functional materials. Dr. Salamo, expert in the field of semiconductor nanostructures at the Institute for Nanoscience and Engineering, will utilise terahertz radiation and imaging techniques to guide the fabrication of nano-acoustic imaging materials and devices.