Physics » Ultrafast & Terahertz Photonics: Publications (tag [THz imaging])

Past, present and future of in vivo THz skin sensing

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 07:58:00 GMT

A. Agarwal and E. Pickwell-MacPherson

J. Phys. Photonics 8 011001 (Mar 2026)

Terahertz (THz) sensing has gained significant attention as a non-ionizing modality capable of probing the superficial layers of biological tissue with high sensitivity to water content, structural changes, and biochemical composition. Its strong interaction with water makes it uniquely suited for investigating dermatological applications such as hydration assessment, wound and burn monitoring, and the detection and characterization of skin cancers. However, the shallow penetration depth of THz light, combined with the sensitivity of measurements to probe-skin coupling, contact pressure, and motion artifacts, poses persistent challenges for in vivo use. Overcoming these limitations requires carefully engineered hardware, robust measurement protocols, and advanced computational techniques tailored to biological variability. This article reviews the evolution of THz instrumentation for in vivo skin sensing, spanning early laboratory systems to emerging compact, handheld, robotic, and computationally enhanced platforms. Key developments in probe miniaturization, ergonomic design, and automated control of probe orientation and pressure are described, as these advances directly influence measurement reproducibility and clinical usability. We highlight recent progress in single-pixel imaging, which offers video-rate capabilities, the emergence of waveguide-integrated metamaterial sensors that push spatial resolution far below the diffraction limit, and THz ellipsometry that gives complementary contrast. In addition, we discuss the growing role of data-driven processing, compressed-sensing algorithms, and biophysical modeling in extracting clinically relevant parameters from THz measurements. Although promising, many of the emerging systems remain untested in in vivo dermatological scenarios, and challenges including motion artifacts, calibration stability, and inter-subject variability must be addressed. Continued interdisciplinary work between engineers, physicists, and clinicians is essential for transitioning THz systems toward practical, patient-compliant diagnostic tools.

All-fibre-coupled terahertz single-pixel imaging for biomedical applications

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 12:24:00 GMT

S. Mou, R.I. Stantchev, S. Saxena, H. Ou, S. Rane, S. Pain, J.D. Murphy, E. Hendry, J. Lloyd-Hughes and E. Pickwell-MacPherson

Nature Communications 17 1571 (Jan 2026)

Robotically Controlled Terahertz Probe for In Vivo Skin Evaluation: Imaging with the PicoBot

Fri, 30 May 2025 13:50:00 GMT

J.J. Young, A. Agarwal, B.G. Page, A. Dogra, A.I. Hernandez-Serrano, J. Hardwicke and E. Pickwell-MacPherson
J. IR mm THz waves 46, 36 (May 2025)

Optimum Optical Designs for Diffraction-Limited Terahertz Spectroscopy and Imaging Systems Using Off-Axis Parabolic Mirrors

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 16:09:00 GMT

N. Chopra and J. Lloyd-Hughes
J Infrared Milli Terahz Waves 44, 981 (Nov 2023)

The 2023 terahertz science and technology roadmap

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 21:11:00 GMT

A. Leitenstorfer, ..., E. Pickwell-MacPherson, ... and J. Cunningham
J. Phys. D: Appl. Phys. 56, 223001 (April 2023)

Terahertz (THz) radiation encompasses a wide spectral range within the electromagnetic spectrum that extends from microwaves to the far infrared (100 GHz–∼30 THz). Within its frequency boundaries exist a broad variety of scientific disciplines that have presented, and continue to present, technical challenges to researchers. During the past 50 years, for instance, the demands of the scientific community have substantially evolved and with a need for advanced instrumentation to support radio astronomy, Earth observation, weather forecasting, security imaging, telecommunications, non-destructive device testing and much more. Furthermore, applications have required an emergence of technology from the laboratory environment to production-scale supply and in-the-field deployments ranging from harsh ground-based locations to deep space. In addressing these requirements, the research and development community has advanced related technology and bridged the transition between electronics and photonics that high frequency operation demands. The multidisciplinary nature of THz work was our stimulus for creating the 2017 THz Science and Technology Roadmap (Dhillon et al 2017 J. Phys. D: Appl. Phys. 50 043001). As one might envisage, though, there remains much to explore both scientifically and technically and the field has continued to develop and expand rapidly. It is timely, therefore, to revise our previous roadmap and in this 2023 version we both provide an update on key developments in established technical areas that have important scientific and public benefit, and highlight new and emerging areas that show particular promise. The developments that we describe thus span from fundamental scientific research, such as THz astronomy and the emergent area of THz quantum optics, to highly applied and commercially and societally impactful subjects that include 6G THz communications, medical imaging, and climate monitoring and prediction. Our Roadmap vision draws upon the expertise and perspective of multiple international specialists that together provide an overview of past developments and the likely challenges facing the field of THz science and technology in future decades. The document is written in a form that is accessible to policy makers who wish to gain an overview of the current state of the THz art, and for the non-specialist and curious who wish to understand available technology and challenges. A such, our experts deliver a 'snapshot' introduction to the current status of the field and provide suggestions for exciting future technical development directions. Ultimately, we intend the Roadmap to portray the advantages and benefits of the THz domain and to stimulate further exploration of the field in support of scientific research and commercial realisation.

Active THz beam shaping using a one-dimensional array of photoconductive emitters

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 11:28:00 GMT

N. Chopra, J. Deveikis and J. Lloyd-Hughes
Appl. Phys. Lett. 122 061102 (Feb 2023)

Real time THz imaging—opportunities and challenges for skin cancer detection

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 11:30:00 GMT

H. Lindley-Hatcher, R. I. Stantchev, X. Chen, A. I. Hernandez-Serrano, J. Hardwicke and E. Pickwell-MacPherson
Appl. Phys. Lett. 118, 230501 (June 2021)

Low cost and long-focal-depth metallic axicon for terahertz frequencies based on parallel-plate-waveguides

Thu, 04 Feb 2021 13:20:00 GMT

A. I. Hernandez-Serrano and E. Pickwell-MacPherson
Scientific Reports 11, 3005 (February 2021)

Evaluation of transdermal drug delivery using terahertz pulsed imaging

Thu, 24 Sep 2020 09:01:00 GMT

J. Wang, H. Lindley-Hatcher, K. Liu, E. Pickwell-MacPherson
Biomedical Optics Express 11 4484 (August 2020) [ pdf ] [ ref ]