Nano-Scale Terahertz Antenna May Make Tricorders Real

MrSeb writes "Researchers from Imperial College London and A*STAR in Singapore have shown off a terahertz antenna that's just 100 nanometers across — about 30,000 times smaller than existing terahertz antennae — and two orders of magnitude stronger than other T-ray beam-forming techniques. T-rays are a lot like EHF (extremely high frequency), which is used by millimeter wave scanners in airports, medical imaging, and emerging wireless networking standards like WiGig — but stronger, faster, and more detailed. Where EHF radiation can see through your clothes, T-rays can penetrate a few millimeters of skin. Furthermore, because atoms and molecules have a unique terahertz-range signature, T-ray scanners can detect toxic substances, bombs, drugs — or even cancerous tumors under your skin. Most importantly, though, due to the nano scale of these antennae, it's possible to create huge antennae arrays on a single silicon chip, meaning hand-held T-ray scanners are now a possibility. In the not so distant future, every household might have a Star Trek-like tricorder capable of detecting cancer or other diseases."

Detecting Cancer.......

[Anonymous Coward]

or giving it to us.

Change last sentence

[Exitar]

into "In the not so distant future, every household might have a Star Trek-like tricorder capable of giving you cancer or other diseases."

Argh

[INT 21h]

If you meant *medical* tricorder, why didn't you say *medical* tricorder? There's a difference, ya'know.

there's still no cure for cancer

[cashman73]

So pretty soon, your cell phone will not only be able to give you cancer, it will also be able to tell you that you have cancer, too! All they need is an app to cure it next! I see a tremendous marketing opportunity here!

Re:Tricorder?

[Anonymous Coward]

Why not? This is Slashdot, where every delusional sci-fi daydream is the equivalent of actual, real engineering. Space Elevator? Simple. Terraforming Mars? Child's play. Mining asteroids? Slam dunk! Life extension? AHHHHHH THE DEVIL!!! NO!!!!!!!!!

ST:VOY

[Anonymous Coward]

Holographic Doctor: Hand me a tricorder.
Clueless Crewman: *hands him a tricorder*
Holographic Doctor [annoyed]: A medical tricorder.

Re:Just another way to get genital cancer

[ceoyoyo]

Why? Do you dislike flashlights too?

Re:But will they make me breakfast

[Zaldarr]

Tea. Earl Grey. Hot.