THz Camera
- Prototype of a Terahertz camera for security application.
Mapping objects at frequencies around one terahertz from a significant distance poses a considerable challenge for any imaging device. The power emission of bodies at room temperature is very weak; so a purely passive map requires an extremely sensitive detector. For sub-mm wavelength recently a big leap forward in the detector performance and scalability was driven by the astrophysics community. Superconducting bolometers and midsized arrays of them have been developed and are in routine use. Concepts for larger devices are already projected. It is conceivable that such devices will become larger, less costly and available for a wider market. So a THz imager for industrial or security application based on superconducting detectors comes into reach.
- Terahertz image of a human, revealing the hidden handgun mock-up.
One of the promising applications for a THz imaging system is the scan of persons for security reasons. It takes advantage of two major properties of THz radiation: metals are reflective to nearly 100 % and typical human clothing is transparent. So an image of a person with a concealed weapon underneath its clothes could reveal this potential threat.
The IPHT prototype already shows the potential of a security camera. The concept will be expanded to a video camera, featuring four main properties – passive, indoor, stand-off and video-rate – which are unique in this combination.
Beyond it the technology behind the Terahertz camera opens a wide field of possible applications for the future, starting from industrial non-destructive material and defect analysis towards to modern biotechnology.
