Biomimetic Optics in the Infrared and Terahertz Wavelengths for Clinical Applications

Detecting and distinguishing infrared radiation for non-invasive medical diagnostic purposes has been attempted for basic surface temperature assessment since the middle of the 20th century. However, the long wavelength and low energy of infrared radiation impede the detection of signals from deeper tissue layers, significantly limiting its use in diagnostics. To overcome these limitations, a novel approach was developed by combining a semiconductor gallium arsenide chip and prism-based optics that enabled the detection of signals in the infrared and terahertz spectrum. Challenges related to penetration depth and thermal noises were addressed by neural network modelling.