A team of researchers from the University of Texas at Dallas, has developed a sophisticated chip that allows mobile phones to see through walls, through wood and plastics. The device could also be used in medicine, allowing doctors to see tumors in the body without using x-ray scanners.
In designing the chip, researchers have turned to an unused range of the electromagnetic spectrum. Terahertz band, located in the electromagnetic spectrum between infrared and microwave radiation was not used in most electronic devices. Terahertz radiation can cross different materials without harming the human body.
“Terahertz band has unlimited potential that could benefit us all. I created the chip, making it possible for the unused bandwidth to consumers and even lead to the creation of essential medical devices,” said Dr. Kenneth A Professor electrical engineering at UT Dallas.
With the new designed by American researchers, images could be created using signals operating in the band terahertz (THz) without the need lenses, reducing the device dimensions and costs.
Today, many devices use chips built using CMOS technology (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor). “CMOS is an inexpensive technology that can be used to achieve a large number of chips. Combining CMOS technology operating in terahertz band means that this chip could be placed in a cell phone, turning it into a portable device can be used to see through objects, “said Dr. O.
In order not to create potential problems regarding privacy, the system established by the team doctor can see a range of 10 inches.
The potential uses of the device are nails in the walls discovery and authentication of documents and notes. It also could be used to identify tumors of the patient or to monitor air toxicity.
“There are many other uses that have not yet discovered,” added Dr. O.
The research was presented at the International Solid-State Circuits Conference (ISSCC).
Source: Daily Mail, ANI
