Abstract
Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) systems are capable of detecting small differences in water concentration levels in biological tissues. This feature makes THz devices excellent tools for the noninvasive assessment of skin; however, most conventional systems prove too cumbersome for limited-space environments. We previously demonstrated that a portable, compact THz spectrometer permitted measurement of porcine skin optical properties that were comparable to those collected with conventional systems. In order to move toward human use of this system, the goal for this study was to collect the optical properties, specifically the absorption coefficient (μa) and index of refraction (n), of human subjects in vivo. Spectra were collected from 0.1-2 THz, and measurements were made on the palm, ventral (inner) and dorsal (outer) forearm. Prior to each THz measurement, we used a multiprobe adapter system to measure each subject's skin hydration levels, transepidermal waterloss (TEWL), skin color, and degree of melanin pigmentation. Our results suggest that the measured optical properties were wide-ranging, and varied considerably for skin tissues with different hydration and melanin levels. These data provide a novel framework for accurate human tissue measurements using THz spectrometers in limited-space environments.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Progress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE |
| Volume | 8585 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 2013 |
| Event | Terahertz and Ultrashort Electromagnetic Pulses for Biomedical Applications - San Francisco, CA, United States Duration: Feb 6 2013 → Feb 7 2013 |
Other
| Other | Terahertz and Ultrashort Electromagnetic Pulses for Biomedical Applications |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| City | San Francisco, CA |
| Period | 2/6/13 → 2/7/13 |
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Keywords
- applications
- optical properties
- terahertz
- THz
- tissue
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
- Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
- Biomaterials
- Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging
Cite this
Using a portable terahertz spectrometer to measure the optical properties of in vivo human skin. / Echchgadda, Ibtissam; Grundt, Jessica E.; Tarango, Melissa; Ibey, Bennett L.; Tongue, Thomas; Liang, Min; Xin, Hao; Wilmink, Gerald J.
Progress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE. Vol. 8585 2013. 85850J.Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution
}
TY - GEN
T1 - Using a portable terahertz spectrometer to measure the optical properties of in vivo human skin
AU - Echchgadda, Ibtissam
AU - Grundt, Jessica E.
AU - Tarango, Melissa
AU - Ibey, Bennett L.
AU - Tongue, Thomas
AU - Liang, Min
AU - Xin, Hao
AU - Wilmink, Gerald J.
PY - 2013
Y1 - 2013
N2 - Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) systems are capable of detecting small differences in water concentration levels in biological tissues. This feature makes THz devices excellent tools for the noninvasive assessment of skin; however, most conventional systems prove too cumbersome for limited-space environments. We previously demonstrated that a portable, compact THz spectrometer permitted measurement of porcine skin optical properties that were comparable to those collected with conventional systems. In order to move toward human use of this system, the goal for this study was to collect the optical properties, specifically the absorption coefficient (μa) and index of refraction (n), of human subjects in vivo. Spectra were collected from 0.1-2 THz, and measurements were made on the palm, ventral (inner) and dorsal (outer) forearm. Prior to each THz measurement, we used a multiprobe adapter system to measure each subject's skin hydration levels, transepidermal waterloss (TEWL), skin color, and degree of melanin pigmentation. Our results suggest that the measured optical properties were wide-ranging, and varied considerably for skin tissues with different hydration and melanin levels. These data provide a novel framework for accurate human tissue measurements using THz spectrometers in limited-space environments.
AB - Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) systems are capable of detecting small differences in water concentration levels in biological tissues. This feature makes THz devices excellent tools for the noninvasive assessment of skin; however, most conventional systems prove too cumbersome for limited-space environments. We previously demonstrated that a portable, compact THz spectrometer permitted measurement of porcine skin optical properties that were comparable to those collected with conventional systems. In order to move toward human use of this system, the goal for this study was to collect the optical properties, specifically the absorption coefficient (μa) and index of refraction (n), of human subjects in vivo. Spectra were collected from 0.1-2 THz, and measurements were made on the palm, ventral (inner) and dorsal (outer) forearm. Prior to each THz measurement, we used a multiprobe adapter system to measure each subject's skin hydration levels, transepidermal waterloss (TEWL), skin color, and degree of melanin pigmentation. Our results suggest that the measured optical properties were wide-ranging, and varied considerably for skin tissues with different hydration and melanin levels. These data provide a novel framework for accurate human tissue measurements using THz spectrometers in limited-space environments.
KW - applications
KW - optical properties
KW - terahertz
KW - THz
KW - tissue
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84878091852&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=84878091852&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1117/12.2004944
DO - 10.1117/12.2004944
M3 - Conference contribution
AN - SCOPUS:84878091852
SN - 9780819493545
VL - 8585
BT - Progress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE
ER -