Ricerc@Sapienza

The SapienzaTerahertz project aims at the realization of an advanced THz spectroscopic and imaging laboratory unique in the national panorama. The experimental apparatus will be based on new quantum cascade technology generating, nowadays, the THz highest average power, spectral purity and stability, and allowing innovative imaging and spectroscopy techniques dedicated to interdisciplinary applications for basic and applied sciences. This will provide new and promising research scenarios for Sapienza as listed below:

1) Identification of biomolecules, since THz is resonant with energy levels corresponding to low-frequency motions of macromolecular skeletons;
2) The THz transparency to most of dielectric materials associated with their THz chemical recognition allows a non-destructive evaluation of their 3D structures. This can be exploited for non-invasive diagnostic for cultural heritage, safety purposes and structural characterization;
3) Many excitations in condensed matter falls in the THz range. This provides the possibility to investigate new materials for photonics and electronics;
4) The strong THz sensitivity to water content makes it suitable to monitor the hydration level. This allows one to differentiate normal from cancer tissues, to assess the living state of macromolecules of biological and biomedical interest, to monitor crop water status for agricultural purposes or moisture content for food safety control;
5) The non-invasive and non-ionizing properties of THz radiation, makes it suitable for medical imaging for in vivo diagnosis characterized by reduced scattering losses. Moreover THz can also provide a 3D reconstruction of skin structures.

The multidisciplinary approach of the SapienzaTerahertz project, supported by a large number of Sapienza researchers and departments, will be the propellant for placing Sapienza in a predominant position within the European road map dedicated to the research and development of THz science and technology.