Ebook: Terahertz Frequency Detection and Identification of Materials and Objects
- Tags: Characterization and Evaluation of Materials, Physics and Applied Physics in Engineering, Remote Sensing/Photogrammetry, Laser Technology and Physics Photonics, Electromagnetism Optics and Lasers
- Series: NATO Science for Peace and Security Series
- Year: 2007
- Publisher: Springer Netherlands
- Edition: 1
- Language: English
- pdf
Want an overview of where the technology of terahertz detection has been going? Here it is.
Terahertz frequency sensing has a unique part to play in the detection and identification of materials and objects.
This frequency range, corresponding to a wavelength of around 0.1 mm, can be used to identify materials from their molecular spectra and to produce images of concealed objects.
Terahertz spectra of drugs of abuse and explosives presented by a number of the contributing authors show that the presence of these materials can be detected in envelopes, packages and through clothing.
The technology has largely been developed around expensive and bulky femtosecond laser systems but, as described in this book, advances in semiconductor superlattice technology are leading to compact "electronic" sources such as the quantum cascade laser, two-terminal "Gunn" type oscillators and even a THz frequency amplifier.
These advances towards electronic (as opposed to optical) THz systems mean that the technology will become portable and much less costly.