Bettina Kietz

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About

Bettina Kietz is a pioneering researcher in non-destructive testing and terahertz (THz) imaging, with a primary focus on wood science and entomology. Her most impactful work, "THz tomography for detecting damages on wood caused by insects" (2019, 27 citations), addresses the critical challenge of identifying internal structural damage in forests caused by wood-destroying insects, particularly the typographer bark beetle (Ips typographus) in spruce trees. Kietz’s major contribution lies in applying THz tomography—a technique typically used in materials science—to detect hidden insect galleries and decay in coniferous wood, offering a non-invasive, high-resolution method for early pest detection. This work has significant implications for silviculture and forest management, providing a tool to mitigate economic and ecological losses. Her research bridges the gap between advanced imaging technology and practical forestry, demonstrating how THz radiation can penetrate wood to reveal subsurface damage invisible to the naked eye. Kietz’s innovative approach has garnered attention for its potential to revolutionize pest monitoring, making her a key figure in sustainable forest protection and applied terahertz sensing.