2024-07-05 04:00:10
A revolutionary imaging chip inspired by Superman’s X-ray vision could soon be found in smartphones, offering the ability to see through walls or packaging. Researchers at theUniversité from Texas to Dallas and of theSeoul National University have developed this technologywhich emits 300 GHz signals that are harmless to humans and respectful of the vie private.
The researchers who designed the chip are now working on miniaturizing the technology so that it can be integrated into smartphones. This project, supported by Texas Instruments and the research Samsung’s global flagship, could transform the way mobile devices are used.
Unlike X-rays, this chip uses 300 GHz signals, which are harmless. It can locate objects at short range, about 2 to 3 centimeters. This limitation was deliberately chosen to ensure confidentiality and avoid malicious use. The researchers plan to increase this distance to 12.5 centimeters to improve the detection of small objects. This technology is similar to that used in passenger control gates at airports, which use microwaves.
One of the major challenges was making the technology small enough for mobile devices while improving image quality. The chip, which has no lenses or optics, detects signals reflected off objects to create images. The chip’s pixels, measuring 0.5 mm, are capable of capturing fine details. Ultimately, this innovation could have medical applications, particularly for non-invasive examinations.
The next step is to further reduce the size of the device so that it fits on a small chip that can be integrated into a smartphone. This would open up many applications for the general public and professionals, such as scanning suspicious packages or inspecting pipes for cracks. Doctors, particularly emergency physicians, could also use the technology to perform preliminary examinations in the field.
In their 2022 paper, the researchers also discussed integrating the system into vehicles to improve navigation in low-visibility conditions. However, privacy concerns led the team to focus on short-range uses, limiting the risk of malicious use.
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