How to make microwaves on a chip to replace X-rays for medical imaging and security

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In a square lattice designed to create nonlinear interference low-power signals from the bottom and side combine many wave peaks into one with a much higher amplitude. Credit: Cornell University
In a square lattice designed to create nonlinear interference, low-power signals from the bottom and side combine many wave peaks into one with a much higher amplitude. Credit: Cornell University

Is microwave radiation the nondestructive imaging technology of the future? Microwaves with frequencies from a few hundred gigahertz (GHz) up to slightly over 1 terahertz (THz), penetrate just a short distance into surfaces without the ionizing damage caused by X-rays. The technology could be used to detect skin cancer or image dental flaws beneath the enamel. It could also be a valuable tool for airport security, to detect objects hidden under clothing.


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