Nanotechnology based terahertz imaging for cancer diaganosis

As in all the emerging imaging modalities, THz presents some drawbacks that do not allow it to find its place in every day medical use. These limitations cover a wide range from the low-performance of emitting sources to the low sensitivity or selectivity to pathological tissues. Nanotechnology-based techniques seems to be a crucial key tool in their efforts to improve these imaging modalities. The next sections aim to discuss how current nanotechnology techniques can directly enhance THz medical imaging modalities. It will be demonstrated that nanotechnology can support THz imaging through several concepts, from using nanoparticles as contrast agents to the development of new THz sources and/or detectors. Nanotechnology methods are used in all the components of THz imaging: contrast agents, sources and detectors (CNT: Carbon Nanotubes, QDs: Quantum Dots, NPs: Nanoparticles, NRs: nanorods, NGs: nanocages, WCNTs: multi-walled CNTs).