Terahertz Technologies

The terahertz range refers to electromagnetic  waves  with  frequencies  between  100  GHz  and  10  THz,  or  wavelengths  between  3  mm  and  30  μm.  Light between microwaves and infrared has some unique properties.  Terahertz waves can “look inside” plastics and textiles,  paper  and  cardboard.  Many biomolecules, proteins, explosives and narcotics also feature characteristic absorption lines –  so-called spectral “fingerprints” –  at  terahertz  frequencies.  Unlike X-rays, terahertz waves do not have any ionizing effect and are generally considered biologically innocuous.