Rising Application of Terahertz Technology in Medical Industry Fuels China Terahertz Technology Market Growth
In the medical sector, terahertz technology is constantly being utilized in applications such as chemistry, materials science, biomedicine, security screening, and communication. The exclusive properties of THz radiation are well-suited for medical and healthcare applications, particularly those that can stimulate low-frequency molecular vibrations, which include van der Waals or other nonbonded interactions and hydrogen bonds. Terahertz imaging is a cutting-edge technology that offers a noninvasive and nonionizing alternative to traditional X-rays.
Terahertz technology has gained significant attention in the field of medical diagnostics due to its ability to provide higher contrast and more accurate information for various applications. Terahertz imaging has shown great potential in the early detection and diagnosis of cancer. It works by detecting changes in water content and structural variations in diseased cells, allowing for the differentiation of cancerous tumors from normal tissues. This technology can provide valuable insights for accurate tumor excision at the primary stages, leading to improved clinical outcomes and reduced mortality rates. In addition to cancer diagnosis, terahertz imaging has promising applications in other areas of healthcare. It can be used for wound and burn inspections, enabling the evaluation of burn severity and characterization of burn areas. Terahertz dental imaging is another area of research with the potential to enhance dental diagnostics. Thus, the increasing application of terahertz technology in the medical industry is driving the market.
China Terahertz Technology Market: Industry Overview
The China terahertz technology market report is segmented on the basis of component, industry, application, organization size, and geography. Based on component, the market is segmented into terahertz detectors and terahertz sources. Based on application, the market is segmented into medical & healthcare, defense & security, food & agriculture, industrial, semiconductor, and others. Based on type, the market is based on terahertz imaging systems, terahertz spectroscopy systems, and terahertz communication systems.
Terahertz radiation occupies a unique position in the electromagnetic spectrum, falling between microwaves and far infrared waves. This type of radiation has the remarkable ability to penetrate various materials, such as plastics, clothing, and wood, while being nonionizing and safe for individuals. In contrast to potentially harmful X-rays, terahertz radiation offers a safer alternative. It has found widespread application in security systems, such as full body scanners in airports and public places, as well as in medical settings for the early detection of cancer cells.
Terahertz radiation operates within a frequency range of ~0.1 THz to 10 THz, corresponding to wavelengths ranging from 3 mm down to 30 μm. However, these frequencies present a challenge for traditional electronic detection methods, which are limited to the lower end of the terahertz spectrum. Consequently, alternative approaches utilizing photonics have been developed to detect and measure terahertz radiation. These methods include the use of micro-bolometers, Golay cells, pyroelectric detectors, Schottky diode detectors, and photoacoustic detectors. Furthermore, terahertz detectors are employed in security systems for screening humans and objects to detect concealed weapons, drugs, and explosives. Terahertz radiation can penetrate fabrics, plastics, and other materials, allowing for noninvasive inspection.
Terahertz sources can be divided into two main categories: photonic and electronic sources. Electronic sources, such as solid-state and electron-beam sources, along with frequency multipliers, are widely used for generating terahertz radiation. In contrast, photonic sources, including terahertz quantum-cascade lasers (QCLs) and terahertz photoconductive antennas, are also commonly employed. In recent years, there have been significant advancements in terahertz source technologies, leading to the adoption of terahertz radiation in various real-time applications. Terahertz photoconductive antennas have shown remarkable improvements in terms of maximum output power and optical-to-electrical efficiencies, especially at frequencies above 1 THz. Additionally, miniaturized electron-beam sources have been developed, while frequency multipliers and solid-state sources have seen progress in terms of power efficiencies and upper-frequency limits. Terahertz quantum-cascade lasers (QCLs) have also experienced rapid development in recent times.
China Terahertz Technology Market: Competitive Landscape and Key Developments
The China terahertz technology market analysis is carried out by identifying and evaluating key players in the market across different regions. Quenda Terahertz Technology Co., Ltd.; Nuctech Company Ltd; Advanced Photonics; Advantest Corporation; Luna Innovations Inc.; Menlo Systems; Canon Inc.; Horiba; Terasense Group; and Toptica Group are among the prominent players profiled in the China terahertz technology market report. In addition, several other players have been studied and analyzed during the study to get a holistic view of the market and its ecosystem. As per the company press releases, below are a few key developments:
- In 2023, Advantest Corporation has two new products designed to deliver advanced handling capabilities essential for the fast-growing artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing (HPC) markets: the HA1200 die-level handler and the active thermal control (ATC) 2-kilowatt (kW) option for the M487x handler series. AI/HPC ICs require 2.5D/3D advanced packaging technologies to provide the high computing power necessary to generate, train and run data-intensive AI models. These ICs generate massive heat due to their high computing power, creating unique testing challenges. The new Advantest products are designed to address these challenges and help contribute to the AI/HPC market growth.
- In 2023, Canon Inc. announced that the company has developed a terahertz device with a compact size and the world’s highest output. Leveraging the semiconductor device design and manufacturing technology cultivated over its long history, the company has produced a device that realizes both high output and high directivity. In the years to come, terahertz technology is expected to be widely used in such fields as next-generation sensing and data transmission.
- In 2022, Advantest Corporation announced a strategic collaboration with Synopsys, Inc., delivering real-time data analytics in Synopsys’ SiliconDash with Advantest’s new ACS Nexus solution. ACS Nexus is a real-time data streaming infrastructure that provides access to aggregated data streams of multiple test cells through a central, standardized software interface available on-premise. ACS Nexus is tightly integrated into Advantest equipment platforms, providing superior real-time analytics performance. The semiconductor industry needs to realize the highest possible quality while achieving stable yield maximums as quickly as possible. Technologies like 5G, 3D/2.5D heterogenous packaging and IC design, and the increasing diversification of application-specific ICs (ASICs) necessitate increasingly innovative and software-driven approaches to semiconductor tests.