Performance of THz fiber-scanning near-field microscopy to diagnose breast tumors.

Based on tissues from 20 female patients (mean age: 53 years; rang: 36-72 years), we examine the performance of a room-temperature-operated terahertz (THz) fiber-scanning near-field microscopy to diagnose slices of breast tissues. The specimens were frozen sliced and then measured in a thawed state without dehydration. We performed the imaging at 320 GHz. Our study indicates that images acquired in the THz transmission-illumination mode can all clearly distinguish breast tumor tissues from normal tissues without H&E staining. Due to its capability to perform quantitative analysis and to allow follow-up staining and traditional pathohistological analysis, our study indicates great potential of the THz fiber-scanning near-field microscopy for future automation, which is critical for fast and complete pre-screening on breast tumor pathological examinations and for assisting quick definition of the tumor margins during the surgical procedure such as breast-conserving surgery.

All-terahertz fiber-scanning near-field microscopy.

We demonstrate a room-temperature-operated all-terahertz (THz) fiber-scanning near-field imaging system. The upright-type THz near-field microscope has a compact size, capable of being integrated with an optical microscope. This transmission illumination near-field system could be a promising tool to distinguish breast cancer from the normal tissue without pathologic staining.

THz interferometric imaging using subwavelength plastic fiber based THz endoscopes.

We demonstrate a new reflective imaging technique using continuous-wave THz fiber-endoscopy, in which the sample is placed behind the output of a THz subwavelength plastic fiber and the Fabry Perot interference is formed therein. 3D THz reflective images with a reasonable SNR as well as high lateral and subwavelength axial resolutions are acquired by moving the sample along the axial (z) direction and by 2D scanning the output end of the subwavelength plastic fiber without any focusing medium. By analyzing the axial-position dependent THz signals backward collected by the subwavelength plastic fiber, the THz reflection amplitudes and phases on the sample surface can be successfully reconstructed.