Research, Technology and Innovation

Success Stories

Terahertz researchers dive into the wave of the future

A group of University of Northern B.C. researchers are developing devices that will let foresters see inside logs to figure out the best use for each one.

The team, led by Matt Reid and working with Prince George’s Wolftek Industries, is using terahertz waves, which occupy space on the electromagnetic spectrum between microwaves and X-rays. Like X-rays, terahertz signals allow people to see through objects and also see features inside these objects. But unlike X-rays, they don’t pose health dangers.

“The more we learn through this terahertz research, the more ideas we have for how to apply this technology in the field,” says Bruce Sutherland, Wolftek president. “For the industry, the possibilities are worth millions of dollars.”

The research is particularly important now because of the mountain pine beetles. Forest companies want to see the insides of trees so that logs can be efficiently positioned in the mill. Just looking at the outside of a tree is no longer enough, as pine beetle trees often have cracks inside that can greatly affect the wood quality and potential products.

The B.C. forest industry is hoping Matt Reid’s team will be successful.

For more information, please visit http://www.unbc.ca/media/2007/03_reid.html.

Success Stories Index >>