A Practical Computer Simulation Model for Absorption of Energy at Terahertz Frequencies by the Human Skin

This dissertation presents a finite difference dime domain computational phantom system for evaluating the interaction of terahertz (THz) frequency electromagnetic radiation with the human skin and skin appendages. The aim of the computational phantom is to aid the development of medical imaging and for assessing skin tissue exposure to THz radiation. The frequency range of the models is 0.1-1.5 THz. The model has been used to explore a range of clinical applications including melanoma imaging, destruction of skin lesions, assessment of skin hydration in diabetes, and a diagnostic tool for measurement of the depth of freezing of skin during cryotherapy.