First time measurement of the coupling efficiency of the surface wave on a dielectric cylinder via THz impulse ranging

Summary form only given. Using optoelectronic techniques we have developed a tabletop THz impulse radar range which has been utilized to perform scattering measurements on various dielectric and conducting targets. Here we present a time domain THz impulse scattering measurement, with unprecedented accuracy and signal to noise, of a precise 3 mm diameter alumina cylinder. From this data, the first experimental determination of the coupling efficiency of a surface wave to an interior chord at the critical angle, /spl alpha//sub c/, is found to be better than 90%. In addition, the accuracy of the data/theory comparison serves as a calibration of the THz impulse radar range, demonstrating the potential for accurate tabletop ranging of scale model dioramas and targets of interest.