Fast terahertz computed-tomography imaging with a quantum-cascade laser and a scanning mirror

Author

Rothbart, N. ; Richter, H. ; Wienold, M. ; Schrottke, L. ; Grahn, H.T. ; Hubers, Heinz-Wilhelm

Author_Institution

German Aerosp. Center (DLR), Berlin, Germany

fYear

2013

fDate

1-6 Sept. 2013

Firstpage

1

Lastpage

2

Abstract

A terahertz transmission imaging system based on a quantum-cascade laser (QCL), a fast scanning mirror, and a sensitive Ge:Ga detector is demonstrated. In order to reduce artifacts, special care was taken on the optics and the conversion of the measured data into the image. Images with a diameter of approximately 40 mm and a signal-to-noise ratio of up to 28 dB were obtained within 1.1 s. The system was used to record three dimensional images of objects in an ellipsoidal volume with axes of approximately 40 mm by computed tomography within 87 s. In addition to the Ge:Ga detector, a more compact pyroelectric device was also used for detection.

Keywords

computerised tomography; gallium; germanium; mirrors; pyroelectric detectors; quantum cascade lasers; submillimetre wave detectors; submillimetre wave lasers; terahertz wave imaging; Ge:Ga; pyroelectric device; quantum cascade laser; scanning mirror; signal-to-noise ratio; terahertz computed tomography imaging; terahertz transmission imaging system; Computed tomography; Detectors; Image reconstruction; Laser beams; Mirrors; Quantum cascade lasers;

fLanguage

English

Publisher

ieee

Conference_Titel

Infrared, Millimeter, and Terahertz Waves (IRMMW-THz), 2013 38th International Conference on

Conference_Location

Mainz

Type

conf

DOI

10.1109/IRMMW-THz.2013.6665596

Filename

6665596