Over the past three decades a new spectroscopic technique with unique possibilities has emerged. Based on coherent and time-resolved detection of the electric field of ultrashort radiation bursts in the far-infrared, this technique has become known as terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS). In this review article the authors describe the technique in its various implementations for static and time-resolved spectroscopy, and illustrate the performance of the technique with recent examples from solid-state physics and physical chemistry as well as aqueous chemistry. Examples from other fields of research, where THz spectroscopic techniques have proven to be useful research tools, and the potential for industrial applications of THz spectroscopic and imaging techniques are discussed.

Terahertz spectroscopy and imaging – Modern techniques and applications

Within the last several years, the field of terahertz science and technology has changed dramatically. Many new advances in the technology for generation, manipulation, and detection of terahertz radiation have revolutionized the field. Much of this interest has been inspired by the promise of valuable new applications for terahertz imaging and sensing. Among a long list of proposed uses, one finds compelling needs such as security screening and quality control, as well as whimsical notions such as counting the almonds in a bar of chocolate. This list has grown in parallel with the development of new technologies and new paradigms for imaging and sensing. Many of these proposed applications exploit the unique capabilities of terahertz radiation to penetrate common packaging materials and provide spectroscopic information about the materials within. Several of the techniques used for terahertz imaging have been borrowed from other, more well established fields such as x-ray computed tomography and synthetic aperture radar. Others have been developed exclusively for the terahertz field, and have no analogies in other portions of the spectrum. This review provides a comprehensive description of the various techniques which have been employed for terahertz image formation, as well as discussing numerous examples which illustrate the many exciting potential uses for these emerging technologies.

https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/0034-4885/70/8/R02/pdf

Imaging with terahertz radiation

We describe a terahertz imaging system that uses a single pixel detector in combination with a series of random masks to enable high-speed image acquisition. The image formation is based on the theory of compressed sensing, which permits the reconstruction of a N-by-N pixel image using much fewer than N2 measurements. This approach eliminates the need for raster scanning of the object or the terahertz beam, while maintaining the high sensitivity of a single-element detector. We demonstrate the concept using a pulsed terahertz time-domain system and show the reconstruction of both amplitude and phase-contrast images. The idea of compressed sensing is quite general and could also be implemented with a continuous-wave terahertz source.

/pdf/a-single-pixel-terahertz-imaging-system-based-on-compressed-2zw4tugxrl.pdf

A single-pixel terahertz imaging system based on compressed sensing

Terahertz (THz) radiation, which occupies a relatively unexplored portion of the electromagnetic spectrum between the mid-infrared and microwave bands, offers innovative sensing and imaging technologies that can provide information unavailable through conventional methods such as microwave and X-ray techniques. With the advancement of THz technologies, THz sensing and imaging will impact a broad range of interdisciplinary fields, including chemical and biological detections and identifications. In particular, THz radiation offers the opportunity for transformational advances in defense and security. Recent work shows that THz technologies are promising for the standoff detection and identification of explosive targets.

Terahertz Spectroscopy and Imaging for Defense and Security Applications

In recent years, the field of terahertz (THz) science and technology has entered a completely new phase of unprecedented expansion that is generating ever growing levels of broad-based international attention. In particular,there have been important advances in state-of-the-art THz technology and very enthusiastic growth in research activities associated with related scientific and industrial applications. One can legitimately argue that the potential payoffs of THz sensing and imaging (THz S&I) to application areas such as defense, security, biology and medicine are the major drivers of this new phenomenon. However, there remain major science and technology "gaps" in the THz regime that must be reconciled before many of the perceived payoffs ever become realizable. Therefore, it is natural to ask the question "Is now the time for THz?" or rather, are these recent events just a repeat of previous cycles in THz overenthusiasm that have been witnessed during the last century? The main goal of this paper is to consider some of the most promising THz S&I applications within the specific context of their particular science and technology challenges in an attempt to credibly judge (or speculate on) their future potential.

Terahertz Frequency Sensing and Imaging: A Time of Reckoning Future Applications?

We report the use of a compact continuous-wave sub-terahertz system for inspection applications, using electronic generation and detection methods. A combination of a Gunn diode emitter, a Schottky diode detector, and a polyethylene Fresnel lens provides line-scan images at 0.2m∕s with a data acquisition rate of 512points∕s. Examples of the measurement of NASA’s insulating panels and applicability of the technology to other nondestructive testing applications are presented and discussed.

/pdf/compact-continuous-wave-subterahertz-system-for-inspection-4neq3m3kde.pdf

Cunlin Zhang

Papers

Compact continuous-wave subterahertz system for inspection applications