Scientists develop ‘tricorder’ Star Trek technology

Scientists have developed a new way to create electromagnetic Terahertz (THz) waves - the technology used behind full-body security scanners, at a more efficient and continuous wavelength. Also known as T-waves, the new waves could be used to create medical scanning gadgets and possibly lead to innovations similar to the fictional ‘tricorder’ used in the TV series Star Trek.

Researchers from the Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), a research institute of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) in Singapore, and Imperial College London in the UK, have made the T-rays into a much stronger directional beam that was previously possible at room temperature conditions. This has paved the way for smaller, more useable T-ray systems that could be incorporated into a portable sensing, computing and data communications device such as the Star Trek Tricorder.

This is possible because the T-ray waves can detect biological processes and even molecules, since each molecule has a unique signature in the THz range. The THz waves have a wavelength hundreds of times longer than that of visible light, existing in the far infrared part of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Research co-author Stefan Maier commented; "T-rays promise to revolutionise medical scanning to make it faster and more convenient, potentially relieving patients from the inconvenience of complicated diagnostic procedures and the stress of waiting for accurate results. Thanks to modern nanotechnology and nanofabrication, we have made a real breakthrough in the generation of T-rays that takes us a step closer to these new scanning devices. With the introduction of a gap of only 0.1 micrometers into the electrodes, we have been able to make amplified waves at the key wavelength of 1000 micrometers that can be used in such real world applications."

Published: Monday, 23rd January 2012 by Ellen Haggan