Generation of infrared radiation with modulated amplitude at terahertz frequencies

Abstract

The role of infrared radiation in stimulating cellular metabolism can be dual. Firstly, the energy of light quanta is used by the cell instead of the energy of adenosine triphosphate hydrolysis. Secondly, light absorption cannot replace this hydrolysis. However, it can accelerate its rate and thus the productivity of metabolic reactions associated with it. This process is significantly enhanced by the use of terahertz modulation of infrared radiation, which is manifested, for example, in optically stimulated transport of ions through biological membranes. For therapeutic effects on the above-described processes in biological tissues, a device has been developed that generates infrared radiation with wavelengths in the range of maximum transparency of biological tissues modulated in amplitude in a frequency range of 1011–1012 Hz. The modulation of radiation has been produced by the method of interference.