The researchers of Princeton University have tried their hand in shrinking the equipment used for producing Terahertz. This new version of terahertz is simpler, cheaper and is equipped in performing medical imaging, communications and drug development. The electromagnetic technology used in it is capable of performing all such tasks. But the pulses that is known as terahertz waves have always used accurate and expensive equipment to keep up the good work.

The researchers from the university of Princeton have shrunk the equipment from a tabletop setup with lasers and mirrors clubbed with microchips that can easily fit on your fingertip due to it’s size. Two articles that was recently published in the IEEE Journal of Solid State Circuits, claims that one chip used in it is responsible for generating terahertz waves, and the second chip fed in it is capable in capturing and reading the commands of the waves.

The system is based on the same silicon chip technology that is used in all the electronic devices and even smartphones, these days. It is also confirmed by Kaushik Sengupta, the assistant professor at the department of electrical engineering, Princeton University that these devices costs very low making cost, if it is built in bulk at a time.

Terahertz waves are said to be associated with electromagnetic spectrum – the entire range of class that includes radio, X-rays and visible light are fed between the microwave and infrared light wavebands. Due to the unique characteristic of the waves, it is one of the interesting part of science. They can be simultaneously used through the materials which are not conductors and also does not effects the tissues or DNA of the humans because of low energy content.

These waves also interact differently with different chemicals. Spectroscopy is another benefit associated with these waves through which any material can be analyzed by the use of light waves. This is also one of the most challenging application, as confirmed by Sengupta.

The scientists try these waves on several materials and they notice how it the waves react differently in coming in contact with different materials all the time.

The problem lies in the fact that making the waves fall on different types of materials and to notice how they react involves usage of several equipments like huge generators or ultrafast lasers. Due to the size and expense of these equipments involved in this entire process makes the application of these technology banal.

Researchers are trying to figure out a simple and less expensive equipments so that the entire system of terahertz can be used for application. Sengupta, have recently come to a conclusion that the use of bulky generators and expensive lasers can be replaced by other equipment that is both small in size and is cost-effective. He says that a resolution can be established if a re-imagining antenna is brought and introduced.

Instead of directly apprehending the waves, the researchers are trying to interpret the patterns in a different manner so that a new solution can be forged.