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A new method for analyzing the structure of skin using a type of radiation known as T-rays could help improve the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and skin cancer.

Scientists from the University of Warwick and The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) have shown that using a method that involves analyzing T-rays fired from several different angles, they can build a more detailed picture of the structure of an area of skin and how hydrated it is than current methods allow.

Their method is reported in Advanced Photonics Research and could provide a new tool for scientists and clinicians for characterizing the properties of skin in individuals, to assist in managing and treating skin conditions.

Terahertz (THz) radiation, or T-rays, sit in-between infrared and WiFi on the electromagnetic spectrum. T-rays can see through many common materials such as plastics, ceramics and clothes, making them potentially useful in non-invasive inspections. The low-energy photons of T-rays are also non-ionizing, making them very safe in biological settings including security and medical screening.