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Yissum Research Development
Company of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem Ltd., the technology transfer
arm of the University, today announced that Professor L.D. Shvartsman and Professor
B. Laikhtman, from the Racah Institute of Physics at the Hebrew University of
Jerusalem, have invented a novel design of TeraHertz-ray, or T-ray, lasers.
Using nanostructures which are based on semiconductors with special properties,
the novel device will have 400 times higher gain than THz quantum cascade lasers,
the only coherent T-ray sources existing today , This invention will make T-ray
based cameras and spectrometers practical, ushering a new era in security and
medical imaging.
T-rays are electromagnetic waves with a wavelength shorter than microwave but
longer than infrared. They are extremely attractive for various imaging applications
due to three main reasons: they can penetrate through various substances, including
clothing and even walls, they are harmless, and therefore allow a safe use for
healthcare and homeland security applications and they can detect various chemicals,
in particular explosives. Thus, T-ray-based devices can detect hidden weapons
and explosives, as well as improve patient care and safety in healthcare facilities
by allowing an unlimited number of exposures for medical examinations. However,
despite all the advantages of T-rays, they are barely used due to lack of T-ray
emitters that will generate powerful, coherent and adjustable terahertz waves.
The invention of Professor Laikhtman and Professor Shvartsman overcomes these
current limitations and suggests the design of effective THz lasers.
"TeraHertz rays are the imaging method of the future. They are comparable
to X-rays in terms of their ability to penetrate opaque substances, but more
importantly, they are harmless," said Yaacov Michlin, CEO of Yissum. "The
novel method to produce efficient T-ray emitters will enable the use of this
important imaging source for various applications, including security and medical
applications."
Posted October 19th, 2009
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