The terahertz rays can penetrate plastic and see through clothing without ionizing radiation. Now they can also be controlled
Popular Sciences
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Microwave ovens have revolutionized the kitchen, X-rays help doctors identify broken bones, and infrared lighting is integrated into night vision goggles. However, with regard to the terahertz rays, known as T rays and located in the electromagnetic spectrum between the infrared and the microwave, we have heard only talk so far. They explain to us that it is difficult to produce the T-rays, identify them and direct them towards the target. However, physicists recently discovered a simple and powerful way to harness the T-rays. This discovery may move the technology from the theoretical stage to practical lines.
Similar to X-rays, T-rays can penetrate, or see through, non-metallic objects such as cardboard or plastic, without the harmful ionizing radiation. This property makes T-rays ideal for imaging applications - whether it is the digestive system or identifying suspicious objects. For many years the T-beams were considered to be of no commercial value because no one knew how to direct them. Scientists tried to do this with the help of hollow metal tubes, which work well in microwaves, or with optical fibers that transmit infrared rays well, but they came up short. The solution that the physicists found: a metal rod that groups the T signals on one side and transmits an identical signal on the other side. The idea won him many supporters. It turns out that many things can be done with T-rays, which cannot be done in any other way. like what?
Security
Use: reflection through clothing, locating weapons or traces of explosives - without the ionizing radiation.
The method: some of the molecules of the dangerous substances resonate with the frequency of the T rays.
Advantages: Convenience - there is no longer a need to take off your shoes and coats and pass them through the x-ray machine.
Status: The US Department of Homeland Security has recently signed a deal with UK-based Teraview to develop a T-ray scanner for airports.
medicine
The use: diagnosis between cancer cells and healthy cells with the help of less harmful radiation.
The method: Since the T-rays are easily absorbed by water, the scientists can distinguish between water-rich tumors and healthy cells.
Advantages: T-ray imaging devices, which may reach hospitals within three years, will make the biopsy unnecessary.
Status: Clinical trials are currently being conducted in skin and breast cancer patients in Cambridge, UK.
תקשורת
The use: wireless and secure broadband communication for short distances.
The method: the signals are transmitted from a T-ray transmitter directly to the receivers. Since it is not possible to penetrate through the walls the range is limited but it is not possible to eavesdrop.
Advantages: 1,000 times faster communication rate - on the order of a billion bits per second.
Status: The first devices will appear only in 10 to 15 years. Researchers are still searching for suitable sources and shelters.
astronomy
The use: Scientists will be able to more effectively study interstellar gas and dust, as well as young stars.
The method: the T-rays coming from space are absorbed by the moisture in the atmosphere, so the best data will be obtained from antennas that will be erected in high and arid areas.
Benefits: High-resolution images of the interstellar gas and dust will help astronomers understand how stars and worlds form.
Status: In 2012, ALMA, an observatory in the high and arid desert of Chile, will begin searching for T-rays.
The connoisseur of futurism
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