Material parameter estimation with terahertz time-domain spectroscopy.

Imaging systems based on terahertz (THz) time-domain spectroscopy offer a range of unique modalities owing to the broad bandwidth, subpicosecond duration, and phase-sensitive detection of the THz pulses. Furthermore, the possibility exists for combining spectroscopic characterization or identification with imaging because the radiation is broadband in nature. To achieve this, we require novel methods for real-time analysis of THz waveforms. This paper describes a robust algorithm for extracting material parameters from measured THz waveforms. Our algorithm simultaneously obtains both the thickness and the complex refractive index of an unknown sample under certain conditions. In contrast, most spectroscopic transmission measurements require knowledge of the sample's thickness for an accurate determination of its optical parameters. Our approach relies on a model-based estimation, a gradient descent search, and the total variation measure. We explore the limits of this technique and compare the results with literature data for optical parameters of several different materials.     

THz transmission spectroscopy and imaging: application to the energetic materials PBX 9501 and PBX 9502

We report the measurement of the effective complex index of refraction near 1 THz for the Plastic-Bonded eXplosives PBX 9501 and PBX 9502. These plastic-bonded explosives consist of organic crystalline energetic materials, HMX and TATB, embedded in a binder matrix. We find that they are partially transparent at a few hundred GHz and we have applied a two-dimensional imaging technique for the detection of pre-fabricated defects in small samples.     

Non-destructive Investigation of Paintings on Canvas by Continuous Wave Terahertz Imaging and Flash Thermography

Terahertz (THz) imaging is increasingly used in the cultural heritage field. In particular, continuous wave (CW) and low frequency THz is attracting more attention. The first application of the THz technique inherent to the cultural heritage field dates back 10 years ago. Since 2006, tangible improvements have been conducted in the refinement of the technique, with the aim to produce clear maps useful for any art restorer. In this paper, a CW THz (0.1 THz) imaging system was used to inspect paintings on canvas both in reflection and in transmission modes. In particular, two paintings were analyzed: in the first one, similar materials and painting execution of the original artwork were used, while in the second one, the canvas layer is slightly different. Flash thermography was used herein together with the THz method in order to observe the differences in results for the textile support materials. A possible application of this method for the detection of artwork forgery requires some parameterization and analysis of various materials or thickness influence which will be addressed in a future study. In this work, advanced image processing techniques including principal component thermography (PCT) and partial least squares thermography (PLST) were used to process the infrared data. Finally, a comparison of CW THz and thermographic results was conducted.     

Feasibility of fast neutron analysis for the detection of explosives buried in soil

A commercialized thermal neutron analysis (TNA) sensor has been developed to confirm the presence of buried bulk explosives as part of a multi-sensor anti-tank landmine detection system. Continuing improvements to the TNA system have included the use of an electronic pulsed neutron generator that offers the possibility of applying fast neutron analysis (FNA) methods to improve the system's detection capability. This paper describes an investigation into the use of FNA as a complementary component in such a TNA system. The results of a modeling study using simple geometries and a full model of the TNA sensor head are presented, as well as preliminary results from an experimental associated particle imaging (API) system that supports the modeling study results. The investigation has concluded that the pulsed beam FNA approach would not improve the detection performance of a TNA system for landmine or buried IED detection in a confirmation role, and could not be made into a practical stand-alone detection system for buried anti-tank landmines. Detection of buried landmines and IEDs by FNA remains a possibility, however, through the use of the API technique.     

Passive millimetre-wave imaging and how it differs from terahertz imaging

It is well known that millimetre-wave systems can penetrate poor weather, dust and smoke far better than infrared or visible systems. Imaging in this band offers the opportunity to be able to navigate and perform surveillance in these conditions of poor visibility. Furthermore, the ability to penetrate dielectrics such as plastic and cloth has opened up the opportunity of detecting weapons and contraband hidden under people's clothing. The optical properties of materials have a direct impact on the applicability of imaging systems. In the terahertz band solids have absorptions which can be assigned to vibrational modes. Lattice modes occur at the lowest frequencies and polythene, for example, has a lattice mode at 2.4 THz. Solids have no such absorptions in the millimetre bands (30-300 GHz) and image contrast is produced by differences in transmission, reflection and absorption. A novel, real-time, mechanically scanned, passive millimetre-wave imager has been designed. The antenna elements are based on a combination of a Schmidt camera and a conical scanner, both of which have their origins in optical systems. Polarization techniques, which were developed for operation in the centimetric band, are used to fold the optics. Both 35 GHz and 94 GHz versions have been constructed.     

Three-dimensional terahertz wave imaging

Pulsed terahertz (THz) wave sensing and imaging is a coherent measurement technology. Like radar, based on the phase and amplitude of the THz pulse at each frequency, THz waves provide temporal and spectroscopic information that allows us to develop various three-dimensional (3D) terahertz tomographic imaging modalities. The 3D THz tomographic imaging methods we investigated include THz time-of-flight tomography, THz computed tomography (CT) and THz binary lens tomography. THz time-of-flight uses the THz pulses as a probe beam to temporally mark the target, and then constructs a 3D image of the target using the THz waves scattered by the target. THz CT is based on geometrical optics and inspired from X-ray CT. THz binary lens tomography uses the frequency-dependent focal-length property of binary lenses to obtain tomographic images of an object. Three-dimensional THz imaging has potential in such applications as non-destructive inspection. The interaction between a coherent THz pulse and an object provides rich information about the object under study; therefore, 3D THz imaging can be used to inspect or characterize dielectric and semiconductor objects. For example, 3D THz imaging has been used to detect and identify the defects inside a Space Shuttle insulation tile.     

Complex optical index of single wall carbon nanotube films from the near-infrared to the terahertz spectral range

We retrieve the complex optical index of single-walled carbon nanotube (CNT) films in the 0.6-800 μm spectral range. Results are obtained from a complete set of optical measurements, reflection and transmission, of free-standing CNT films using time domain spectroscopy in the terahertz (THz) and Fourier transform infrared (IR) spectroscopy in the visible-IR. Based on a Drude-Lorentz model, our results reveal a global metallic behavior of the films in the IR, and confirm their high optical index in the THz range.     

All-optoelectronic continuous-wave terahertz systems

We discuss the optoelectronic generation and detection of continuous-wave terahertz (THz) radiation by the mixing of visible/near-infrared laser radiation in photoconductive antennas. We review attempts to reach higher THz output-power levels by reverting from mobility-lifetime-limited photomixers to transit-time-limited p-i-n photodiodes. We then describe our implementation of a THz spectroscopy and imaging-measurement system and demonstrate its imaging performance with several examples. Possible application areas of THz imaging in the biomedical field and in surface characterization for industrial purposes are explored.     

基于太赫兹量子阱光电探测器的成像技术研究进展

太赫兹(THz)波对非极性材料有较好的穿透性,对生物医学组织无电离效应,因而非常适合无损检测、生物医学成像等应用。THz量子阱光电探测器(THz QWPs)具有响应速度快、响应率高、噪声等效功率低、体积小的特点。相较于其他探测器,THz QWPs作为成像系统接收器时,系统具有成像分辨率高、成像速度快、成像信噪比高、结构紧凑等优势。本文综述了基于THz QWPs的成像研究进展,并对成像系统核心指标的影响因素进行了分析和总结。采用更稳定的装置固定THz QWPs,提升器件响应速度、探测灵敏度、阵列规模,可以有效提升系统各项核心性能。     

Noninvasive detection of concealed liquid explosives using Raman spectroscopy

We present a Raman spectroscopic method for the noninvasive detection of liquid explosives within bottles, and other packaging, of substantially higher sensitivity and wider applicability than that currently available via conventional Raman spectroscopy. The approach uses a modification of the spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS) concept, which permits the interrogation of a wide range of containers, including transparent, colored, and diffusely scattering plastic and glass beverage, medicine, and cosmetic bottles, with no change in experimental geometry. The enhanced sensitivity is achieved by the technique's inherent ability to effectively suppress fluorescence and Raman contributions originating from the wall of the container. The application is demonstrated on the noninvasive detection of hydrogen peroxide solution, a critical component of a number of liquid explosives. In contrast to conventional Raman spectroscopy, the modified SORS concept enables the detection of concealed hydrogen peroxide solution in all the studied cases.     

Semi-automated detection of trace explosives in fingerprints on strongly interfering surfaces with Raman chemical imaging

We have previously demonstrated the use of wide-field Raman chemical imaging (RCI) to detect and identify the presence of trace explosives in contaminated fingerprints. In this current work we demonstrate the detection of trace explosives in contaminated fingerprints on strongly Raman scattering surfaces such as plastics and painted metals using an automated background subtraction routine. We demonstrate the use of partial least squares subtraction to minimize the interfering surface spectral signatures, allowing the detection and identification of explosive materials in the corrected Raman images. The resulting analyses are then visually superimposed on the corresponding bright field images to physically locate traces of explosives. Additionally, we attempt to address the question of whether a complete RCI of a fingerprint is required for trace explosive detection or whether a simple non-imaging Raman spectrum is sufficient. This investigation further demonstrates the ability to nondestructively identify explosives on fingerprints present on commonly found surfaces such that the fingerprint remains intact for further biometric analysis.     

太赫兹成像技术在肿瘤检测中的应用

太赫兹(THz)波是频率位于0.1 THz^10 THz的电磁波。因其具有非电离性,以及可与多数生物分子产生共振响应等特性,在生物医学领域有着巨大应用潜力,尤其在肿瘤检测方面。太赫兹成像技术作为生物医学领域一种新的成像技术,吸引国内外多个研究小组对其开展深入研究。本文列举分析了多种太赫兹成像技术在肿瘤检测的应用,其中可分为太赫兹扫描成像、太赫兹层析成像、太赫兹全息成像以及太赫兹近场成像,介绍了这些成像方式的基本原理以及国内外研究现状,最后对太赫兹成像技术在生物领域的未来做出展望。     

Implantable,Degradable, Therapeutic Terahertz Metamaterial Devices

Metamaterial (MM) sensors and devices, usually consisting of artificially structured composite materials with engineered responses that are mainly determined by the unit structure rather than the bulk properties or composition, offer new functionalities not readily available in nature. A set of implantable and resorbable therapeutic MM devices at terahertz (THz) frequencies are designed and fabricated by patterning magnesium split ring resonators on drug‐loaded silk protein substrates with controllable device degradation and drug release rates. To demonstrate proof‐of‐concept, a set of silk‐based, antibiotics‐loaded MM devices, which can serve as degradable antibacterial skin patches with capabilities to monitor drug‐release in real time are fabricated. The extent of drug release, which correlates with the degradation of the MM skin patch, can be monitored by analyzing the resonant responses in reflection during degradation using a portable THz camera. Animal experiments are performed to demonstrate the in vivo degradation process and the efficacy of the devices for antibacterial treatment. Thus, the implantable and resorbable therapeutic MM devices do not need to be retrieved once implanted, providing an appealing alternative for in‐vivo sensing and in situ treatment applications.     

Terahertz imaging system performance model for concealed-weapon identification

The U.S. Army Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate (NVESD) and the U.S. Army Research Laboratory have developed a terahertz (THz) -band imaging system performance model for detection and identification of concealed weaponry. The MATLAB-based model accounts for the effects of all critical sensor and display components and for the effects of atmospheric attenuation, concealment material attenuation, and active illumination. The model is based on recent U.S. Army NVESD sensor performance modeling technology that couples system design parameters to observer-sensor field performance by using the acquire methodology for weapon identification performance predictions. This THz model has been developed in support of the Defense Advanced Research Project Agencies' Terahertz Imaging Focal-Plane Technology (TIFT) program and is currently being used to guide the design and development of a 0.650 THz active-passive imaging system. This paper will describe the THz model in detail, provide and discuss initial modeling results for a prototype THz imaging system, and outline plans to calibrate and validate the model through human perception testing.     

Terahertz pulsed spectroscopy of human Basal cell carcinoma

Good contrast is seen between normal tissue and regions of tumor in terahertz pulsed imaging of basal cell carcinoma (BCC). To date, the source of contrast at terahertz frequencies is not well understood. In this paper we present results of a spectroscopy study comparing the terahertz properties (absorption coefficient and refractive index) of excised normal human skin and BCC. Both the absorption coefficient and refractive index were higher for skin that contained BCC. The difference was statistically significant over the range 0.2 to 2.0 THz (6.6 cm(-1) to 66.6 cm(-1)) for absorption coefficient and 0.25 to 0.90 THz (8.3 cm(-1) to 30 cm(-1)) for refractive index. The maximum difference for absorption was at 0.5 THz(16.7 cm(-1)). These changes are consistent with higher water content. These results account for the contrast seen in terahertz images of BCC and explain why parameters relating to the reflected terahertz pulse provide information about the lateral spread of the tumor. Knowing the properties of the tissue over the terahertz frequency range will enable the use of mathematical models to improve understanding of the terahertz response of normal and diseased tissue.     

连续太赫兹波数字全息相衬成像

太赫兹波具有独特的低能性、高穿透性、惧水性等成像特性,将其应用于相衬成像能够反映物体的内部结构和更加丰富全面的生物信息,在生物医学检测等领域具有重要的应用。其中,太赫兹波数字全息成像是一种可以给出定量的振幅和相位信息的非接触、全场相衬成像方法,是太赫兹成像技术领域的重要研究方向之一。本文基于连续太赫兹源,从离轴式和同轴式数字全息成像的相衬成像原理、光路系统和再现算法多个方面,介绍了相关技术的研究现状,分析了太赫兹源、再现算法等因素对成像分辨率的影响,并对太赫兹数字全息的发展趋势进行了展望。     

Label-free THz sensing of genetic sequences: towards 'THz biochips'

THz-wave-based approaches for the label-free characterization of genetic material are described. Time-resolved THz spectroscopic analysis of genetic sequences (polynucleotides) demonstrate a distinct complex refractive index in the THz frequency range as a function of the binding state of the analysed DNA sequences. By monitoring THz signals, one can thus infer the binding state of oligo- and polynucleotides, enabling the label-free determination of the genetic composition of target polynucleotides by sensing their binding to known probe molecules. Here we review integrated THz sensing array developments exhibiting high sensitivity and single-base mutation detection capabilities. Recent achievements using functionalized biosensing arrays of high-Q resonators are illustrated.     

Molecularly imprinted Au nanoparticles composites on Au surfaces for the surface plasmon resonance detection of pentaerythritol tetranitrate, nitroglycerin, and ethylene glycol dinitrate

Molecularly imprinted Au nanoparticles (NPs) composites are generated on Au-coated glass surfaces. The imprinting process involves the electropolymerization of thioaniline-functionalized Au NPs (3.5 nm) on a thioaniline monolayer-modified Au surface in the presence of a carboxylic acid, acting as a template analogue for the respective explosive. The exclusion of the imprinting template from the Au NPs matrix yields the respective imprinted composites. The binding of the analyte explosives to the Au NPs matrixes is probed by surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy, SPR, where the electronic coupling between the localized plasmon of the Au NPs and the surface plasmon wave leads to the amplification of the SPR responses originating from the dielectric changes of the matrixes upon binding of the different explosive materials. The resulting imprinted matrixes reveal high affinities and selectivity toward the imprinted explosives. Using citric acid as an imprinting template, Au NPs matrixes for the specific analysis of pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) or of nitroglycerin (NG) were prepared, leading to detection limits of 200 fM and 20 pM, respectively. Similarly, using maleic acid or fumaric acid as imprinting templates, high-affinity sensing composites for ethylene glycol dinitrate (EGDN) were synthesized, leading to a detection limit of 400 fM for both matrixes.     

Spatial pattern separation of chemicals and frequency-independent components by terahertz spectroscopic imaging

We separated the component spatial patterns of frequency-dependent absorption in chemicals and frequency-independent components such as plastic, paper, and measurement noise in terahertz (THz) spectroscopic images, using known spectral curves. Our measurement system, which uses a widely tunable coherent THz-wave parametric oscillator source, can image at a specific frequency in the range 1-2 THz. The component patterns of chemicals can easily be extracted by use of the frequency-independent components. This method could be successfully used for nondestructive inspection for the detection of illegal drugs and devices of bioterrorism concealed, e.g., inside mail and packages.     

Towards terahertz near-field microscopy

We have detected sub-wavelength spot sizes in the near-field of a metal tip, which is illuminated with terahertz (THz) pulses. The THz near-field is detected by using electro-optic detection in a (100) oriented GaP crystal. Contrary to conventional electro-optic detection, which uses (110) oriented detection crystals, (100) crystals only allow the detection of THz light, polarized perpendicular to our crystal surface. This component is strongly localized near the apex of the tip, which has sub-wavelength dimensions. The detection process is blind to the incident THz radiation, which is polarized parallel to the crystal surface. As a result, a sub-wavelength THz spot size with an intensity full-width half maximum (FWHM) diameter of lambda/200 is observed.