Method and apparatus for non-invasive condition detection using an all fiber portable terahertz imaging system

A method for non-invasive patient condition detection, comprising the steps of:

• a) generating and tailoring a terahertz signal;
• b) splitting the terahertz signal into a scanning signal and a reference signal;
• c) illuminating a surface of a patient with a focused scanning terahertz beam;
• d) redirecting reflection of the focused scanning terahertz beam from the surface of the patient into a detector;
• and
• e) combining the reflection of the focused scanning terahertz beam with the reference signal to generate patient data

An imaging system, comprising:

• a control module, comprising:
• a femtosecond pulsed laser configured to generate an output light beam, wherein the output light beam is gated by time domain pulses measurable in femtoseconds;
• a dispersion compensation unit configured to receive the output light beam and transmit a laser light beam generated based upon the output light beam;
• a beam splitter configured to receive the laser light beam and divide the laser light beam into a pump light beam and a reference light beam;
• and
• a rapid scanning optical delay line configured to receive the pump light beam and transmit an exit light beam generated based upon the pump light beam;
• and
• a patch probe, comprising:
• a transmitter module configured to receive the exit light beam from the control module and to transmit terahertz waves generated based upon the exit light beam;
• an optics lens configured to direct the terahertz waves toward a portion of a patient;
• and
• a detector module configured to:
• a) receive a reflected terahertz signal from the patient, the reflected terahertz signal based upon the terahertz waves directed toward the patient;
• and
• b) receive the reference light from the control unit;
• and
• c) combine the reflected terahertz signal and the reference light to generate patient data;
• and
• a display unit configured to display the patient data or an image generated based upon the patient data;
• and
• a data acquisition and processing system, comprising a processor in operative communication with a storage medium, wherein the processor is operable to process the patient data to generate the image using software stored upon the storage medium, wherein the storage medium is configured to store at least one of the patient data and/or the image.