Invited Review Article: Current State of Research on Biological Effects of Terahertz Radiation

摘要

Terahertz (THz) imaging and sensing technologies are increasingly being used in ahost of medical, military, and security applications. For example, THz systems are now beingtested at international airports for security screening purposes, at major medical centers forcancer and burn diagnosis, and at border patrol checkpoints for identification of concealedexplosives, drugs, and weapons. Recent advances in THz applications have stimulated renewedinterest regarding the biological effects associated with this frequency range. Biological effectsstudies are a valuable type of basic science research because they serve to enhance ourfundamental understanding of the mechanisms that govern THz interactions with biologicalsystems. Such studies are also important because they often times lay the foundation for thedevelopment of future applications. In addition, from a practical standpoint, THz biologicaleffects research is also necessary for accurate health hazard evaluation, the development ofempirically-based safety standards, and for the safe use of THz systems. Given the importanceand timeliness of THz bioeffects data, the purpose of this review is twofold. First, to providereaders with a common reference, which contains the necessary background concepts inbiophysics and THz technology, that are required to both conduct and evaluate THz biologicalresearch. Second, to provide a critical review of the scientific literature.