Terahertz wave two-dimensional transmission imaging with a backward wave oscillator

Hongyang Yuan; Xinhao Ge; Cunlin Zhang

doi:10.1117/12.805633

9 February 2009 Terahertz wave two-dimensional transmission imaging with a backward wave oscillator

Hongyang Yuan, Xinhao Ge, Cunlin Zhang

Proceedings Volume 7158, 2008 International Conference on Optical Instruments and Technology: Microelectronic and Optoelectronic Devices and Integration; 71580T (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.805633
Event: International Conference of Optical Instrument and Technology, 2008, Beijing, China

Abstract

We present a terahertz (THz) imaging system with a Backward Wave Oscillator (BWO). BWO Continuous-Wave THz imaging is a new approach to non-destructive testing. Many materials that are opaque to visible and infrared light are transparent to THz radiation. THz wave image provides a higher spatial resolution than microwave image by having much shorter wavelength. It also poses no known harm to living organisms, making it a safe and powerful imaging technology. Unlike pulsed THz imaging, BWO THz imaging only yields intensity data without providing any depth, frequency-domain or time-domain information about the subject. However, in most cases the energy plots are sufficient for identification of targets. In exchange for the loss of depth, time-domain and frequency-domain information, BWO imaging offers a simple, fast and relatively low-cost system. In this work we show a simple Terahertz (THz) 2-dimentional scanning imaging system utilizing a BWO source tunable from 0.52 to 0.71 THz and a pyroelectric sensor detector operated in THz range. The sample is placed on an X-Z two-dimensional stage controlled by a computer. The intensity information of the terahertz wave after passing sample is collected. Two-dimensional image of the sample is obtained by raster scanning the sample in X and Z directions. A number of potential imaging applications are demonstrated using the 0.71 THz radiation, including nondestructive real-time testing for campus debit card and various articles contained in an envelop. And we present the digital image processing based on the result of the imaging system. This work reveals that a BWO THz imaging system is very practical, effective and promising in nondestructive identification and security inspections applications in future.

Citation Download Citation

Hongyang Yuan, Xinhao Ge, and Cunlin Zhang "Terahertz wave two-dimensional transmission imaging with a backward wave oscillator", Proc. SPIE 7158, 2008 International Conference on Optical Instruments and Technology: Microelectronic and Optoelectronic Devices and Integration, 71580T (9 February 2009); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.805633

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