Harnessing new frequencies: Far infrared can be used faster wireless

University of Utah researchers have shown it is possible to harness far-infrared light -- also known as terahertz electromagnetic radiation -- for use in superfast wireless communications and to detect concealed explosives and chemical or biological weapons. The researchers shined far-infrared light on metal foils punctured with holes arranged in what are known as quasicrystal and quasicrystal-approximate patterns. Even though the holes make up only a portion of each foil's surface, almost all the radiation passed through the metal foils with these patterns. This photo shows a quasicrystal pattern. Credit: Tatsunosuke Matsui, University of Utah