Image of sample using terahertz time domain spectroscopy in reflection mode to identify in a first material like normal breast tissue a second material like cancerous tissue by evaluating the phase change at the interface between the sample and a window like a quartz window, against which the sample is pressed

Abstract

A method of investigating a sample (breast tissue) (), the sample comprising at least a first material (normal breast tissue) in order to determine they presence of at least one further material (cancerous tissue), the method comprising the steps of: Irradiating the sample with electromagnetic radiation in the range from 25 GHz to 100 THz; Detecting radiation reflected from the sample; Determining a parameter related to the amplitude of the radiation, which is reflected from the sample, in the time domain; Analyzing the parameter derived in step (c) in order to determine if the sample further comprises the at least one further material wherein the irradiating and reflected radiation passes through a (z-cut quartz) window member () having a refractive index that falls between the refractive indices of the at least first and at least one further materials.