An Industrial THz Killer Application?

TL;DR

Terahertz technology has promising sensing capabilities for industry, but challenges remain in identifying a definitive 'killer application' that can drive widespread adoption and commercial success.

Contribution

This paper analyzes the barriers to industrial adoption of THz technology and discusses potential pathways to establish a compelling application for mainstream use.

Findings

THz spectroscopy offers advantages for quality control, security, and biomedical imaging.

The search for a 'killer application' for THz technology has been unsuccessful so far.

Overcoming technical and market barriers is crucial for industrial adoption.

Abstract

Terahertz technology is mature enough for large-volume sensing applications. However, Dook van Mechelen says there are a few hurdles preventing its industrial debut. THz spectroscopy has a number of advantages that point to abundant industrial applications, in areas such quality control, security and biomedical imaging. Yet despite those advantages, the search for a THz "killer application"--a novel, innovative use with a business case strong enough to bring the technology into the industrial mainstream--has remained fruitless, and even the hope of finding such an application has begun to falter. Why has a killer app for THz radiation been so elusive? And how can the road to industrial application of this versatile technology be cleared?