Terahertz electromagnetic interactions with biological matter and their applications

The characteristics of electromagnetic interactions with biological matter in the terahertz region are reviewed. The recent development of terahertz technology has made possible the study of the scientifically rich spectral region where molecular rotational and vibrational modes exist. The technology is reviewed in terms of sources, detectors, and related techniques for spectroscopy and imaging. The spectroscopic technique has been utilized for the investigation of various biological molecules including DNAs, RNAs, nucleobases, proteins, polypeptides, and biological liquids to reveal intermolecular and intramolecular dynamics. Terahertz imaging has also proven to be a potential modality of medical diagnosis using the results of preliminary researches of skin and breast cancers.