Terahertz imaging and spectroscopy based on hot electron bolometer (HEB) heterodyne detection

Eyal Gerecht; Lixing You

doi:10.1117/12.763723

6 February 2008 Terahertz imaging and spectroscopy based on hot electron bolometer (HEB) heterodyne detection

Eyal Gerecht, Lixing You

Proceedings Volume 6893, Terahertz Technology and Applications; 689308 (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.763723
Event: Integrated Optoelectronic Devices 2008, 2008, San Jose, California, United States

Abstract

Imaging and spectroscopy at terahertz frequencies have great potential for healthcare, plasma diagnostics, and homeland security applications. Terahertz frequencies correspond to energy level transitions of important molecules in biology and astrophysics. Terahertz radiation (T-rays) can penetrate clothing and, to some extent, can also penetrate biological materials. Because of their shorter wavelengths, they offer higher spatial resolution than do microwaves or millimeter waves. We are developing hot electron bolometer (HEB) mixer receivers for heterodyne detection at terahertz frequencies. HEB detectors provide unprecedented sensitivity and spectral resolution at terahertz frequencies. We describe the development of a two-pixel focal plane array (FPA) based on HEB technology. Furthermore, we have demonstrated a fully automated, two-dimensional scanning, passive imaging system based on our HEB technology operating at 0.85 THz. Our high spectral resolution terahertz imager has a total system noise equivalent temperature difference (NEΔT) value of better than 0.5 K and a spatial resolution of a few millimeters. HEB technology is becoming the basis for advanced terahertz imaging and spectroscopic technologies for the study of biological and chemical agents over the entire terahertz spectrum.

Citation Download Citation

Eyal Gerecht and Lixing You "Terahertz imaging and spectroscopy based on hot electron bolometer (HEB) heterodyne detection", Proc. SPIE 6893, Terahertz Technology and Applications, 689308 (6 February 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.763723

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