Science and technologies based on terahertz frequency electromagnetic radiation (100 GHz–30 THz) have developed rapidly over the last 30 years. For most of the 20th Century, terahertz radiation, then referred to as sub-millimeter wave or far-infrared radiation, was mainly utilized by astronomers and some spectroscopists. Following the development of laser based terahertz time-domain spectroscopy in the 1980s and 1990s the field of THz science and technology expanded rapidly, to the extent that it now touches many areas from fundamental science to 'real world' applications. For example THz radiation is being used to optimize materials for new solar cells, and may also be a key technology for the next generation of airport security scanners. While the field was emerging it was possible to keep track of all new developments, however now the field has grown so much that it is increasingly difficult to follow the diverse range of new discoveries and applications that are appearing. At this point in time, when the field of THz science and technology is moving from an emerging to a more established and interdisciplinary field, it is apt to present a roadmap to help identify the breadth and future directions of the field. The aim of this roadmap is to present a snapshot of the present state of THz science and technology in 2017, and provide an opinion on the challenges and opportunities that the future holds. To be able to achieve this aim, we have invited a group of international experts to write 18 sections that cover most of the key areas of THz science and technology. We hope that The 2017 Roadmap on THz science and technology will prove to be a useful resource by providing a wide ranging introduction to the capabilities of THz radiation for those outside or just entering the field as well as providing perspective and breadth for those who are well established. We also feel that this review should serve as a useful guide for government and funding agencies.

The 2016 terahertz science and technology roadmap

[신간안내] Computational Electrodynamics (the finite difference time - domain method)

We present a \MF{terahertz} quantum cascade laser operating on a thermoelectric cooler up to a record-high temperature of 210.5 K. The active region design is based on only two quantum wells and achieves high temperature operation thanks to a systematic optimization by means of a nonequilibrium Green's function model. Laser spectra were measured with a room temperature detector, making the whole setup cryogenic free. At low temperatures ($\sim 40 K), a maximum output power of 200 mW was measured.

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Thermoelectrically cooled THz quantum cascade laser operating up to 210 K.

In this roadmap article, we have focused on the most recent advances in terahertz (THz) imaging with particular attention paid to the optimization and miniaturization of the THz imaging systems. Such systems entail enhanced functionality, reduced power consumption, and increased convenience, thus being geared toward the implementation of THz imaging systems in real operational conditions. The article will touch upon the advanced solid-state-based THz imaging systems, including room temperature THz sensors and arrays, as well as their on-chip integration with diffractive THz optical components. We will cover the current-state of compact room temperature THz emission sources, both optolectronic and electrically driven; particular emphasis is attributed to the beam-forming role in THz imaging, THz holography and spatial filtering, THz nano-imaging, and computational imaging. A number of advanced THz techniques, such as light-field THz imaging, homodyne spectroscopy, and phase sensitive spectrometry, THz modulated continuous wave imaging, room temperature THz frequency combs, and passive THz imaging, as well as the use of artificial intelligence in THz data processing and optics development, will be reviewed. This roadmap presents a structured snapshot of current advances in THz imaging as of 2021 and provides an opinion on contemporary scientific and technological challenges in this field, as well as extrapolations of possible further evolution in THz imaging.

Roadmap of Terahertz Imaging 2021.

Over the last 20 years, thin and lightweight optical elements have become very desirable, especially for the terahertz (THz) range. Reduction of the volume of optical elements alongside an increase in their effective efficiency has begun a new direction of research leading to many practical applications. On top of that, diffractive optical elements can not only focus the incident beam, but also can shape the incoming wavefront into a desirable distribution or can redirect the energy. Starting from theoretical calculations of Fourier optics, diffractive elements have been transformed and nowadays form complicated structures that do not resemble a typical Fresnel lens. The precise control over a phase shift introduced by the designed element creates an opportunity to almost freely transform an incident wavefront. Moreover, the vast diversity of computer-generated holograms (also called synthetic) contributes substantially to this topic. Diffractive elements have a great impact on THz optical systems because their manufacturing is very simple in comparison with any other range of radiation (infrared, visible, ultraviolet, etc.). This review paper underlines developments in evolution of diffractive optics and highlights main principles and technological approaches for fabrication of diffraction optics within the terahertz range, thus serving as a guide to design and production considerations.

/pdf/terahertz-diffractive-optics-smart-control-over-radiation-4zxm4t6q70.pdf

Terahertz Diffractive Optics—Smart Control over Radiation

Bessel terahertz (THz) imaging employing a pair of thin silicon multi-phase diffractive optical elements is demonstrated in continuous wave mode at 0.6 THz. A proposed Bessel zone plate (BZP) design - discrete axicon containing 4 phase quantization levels - based on high-resistivity silicon and produced by laser ablation technology allowed to extend the focal depth up to 20 mm with minimal optical losses and refuse employment of bulky parabolic mirrors in the imaging setup. Compact THz imaging system in transmission geometry reveals a possibility to inspect objects of more than 10 mm thickness with enhanced contrast and increased resolution up to 0.6 of the wavelength by applying deconvolution algorithms.

Bessel terahertz imaging with enhanced contrast realized by silicon multi-phase diffractive optics.

Fibonacci or bifocal terahertz (THz) imaging is demonstrated experimentally employing a silicon diffractive zone plate in continuous wave mode. Images simultaneously recorded in two different planes are exhibited at 0.6 THz frequency with the spatial resolution of wavelength. Multifocus imaging operation of the Fibonacci lens is compared with a performance of the conventional silicon phase zone plate. Spatial profiles and focal depth features are discussed varying the frequency from 0.3 to 0.6 THz. Good agreement between experimental results and simulation data is revealed.

Fibonacci terahertz imaging by silicon diffractive optics.

Fibonacci or bifocal terahertz (THz) imaging is demonstrated experimentally employing silicon diffractive zone plate (SDZP) in a continuous wave mode. Images simultaneously recorded in two different planes are exhibited at 0.6 THz frequency with the spatial resolution of wavelength. Multi-focus imaging operation of the Fibonacci lens is compared with a performance of the conventional silicon phase zone plate. Spatial profiles and focal depth features are discussed varying the frequency from 0.3 THz to 0.6 THz. Good agreement between experimental results and simulation data is revealed.

Fibonacci terahertz imaging by silicon diffractive optics

Terahertz (THz) homodyne and direct spectroscopic images of low-absorbing materials packaged between up to six layers of a cotton fabric are recorded at 0.3 and 0.6 THz at room temperature. More than two orders of magnitude higher dynamic range is revealed due to the detection in a homodyne scheme, which is realized using paper sheets as a phase-shifting mechanism. It is demonstrated that the homodyne approach can serve as a convenient imaging tool to identify and resolve objects manifesting low absorbance of THz radiation, such as paper tissue, nitrile, and low-density polyethylene concealed in a textile environment.

https://www.spiedigitallibrary.org/journals/optical-engineering/volume-58/issue-2/023104/Terahertz-homodyne-spectroscopic-imaging-of-concealed-low-absorbing-objects/10.1117/1.OE.58.2.023104.pdf

Terahertz homodyne spectroscopic imaging of concealed low-absorbing objects

Flexible materials for applications in terahertz (THz) range imaging systems are investigated in this study. THz time-domain spectroscopy and THz imaging at 0.6 THz frequency are used to analyze optical properties of zone plates (TZP) with integrated cross-shaped filters, which are fabricated using direct laser writing on thin graphite, HB pencil-shaded graphite on paper, as well as reference metal-based and pure paper zone plates. Spectral features and focusing power comparable to the best metal-based TZP is achieved with graphite-based TZP. The pure paper and paper with pencil-shaded graphite TZPs showed increase in focusing power by a factor of ∼1.5, supporting numerical 3D finite-difference time-domain simulations. The findings show that graphite-based TZPs can serve as a flexible, compact, and inexpensive optics elements for emerging THz imaging systems.

Domas Jokubauskis

Papers

Bessel terahertz imaging with enhanced contrast realized by silicon multi-phase diffractive optics.

Fibonacci terahertz imaging by silicon diffractive optics.

Fibonacci terahertz imaging by silicon diffractive optics

Terahertz homodyne spectroscopic imaging of concealed low-absorbing objects

Flexible materials for terahertz optics: advantages of graphite-based structures