Terahertz (THz) waves can influence a diverse range of cellular processes. The use of high-power THz sources in biological studies may lead to major advances in understanding biological systems and help to determine safe exposure levels for existing THz technologies. We are devoted to the development of an experimental system for irradiating cells with intense broadband THz pulses. Subpicosecond pulses of THz radiation with intensities of 32 GW/cm~2 and electric field strength up to 3.5 MV/cm are obtained by optical rectification, using an OH1 organic crystal, of near-infrared femtosecond pulses generated by a Cr:forsterite laser. The system has been developed to allow cells to be kept in suitable conditions for long-term exposure and to be irradiated with THz pulses in single-point mode as well as in scanning mode. The transmission in the THz region of various plastic dishes for cell culture is estimated.
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