Use of 2.7-THz Quantum Cascade Laser and Microbolometer Camera for Imaging of Concealed Objects
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Authors
Behnken, Barry N.
Karunasiri, Gamani
Chamberlin, Danielle
Robrish, Peter
Faist, Jérôme
Subjects
THz
microbolometer
uncooled
quantum cascade laser
imaging
detection
camera
microbolometer
uncooled
quantum cascade laser
imaging
detection
camera
Advisors
Date of Issue
2007
Date
2017
Publisher
Language
Abstract
Imaging in the terahertz regime (0.3-10 THz) is
currently conducted primarily through the use of
antenna-coupled semiconductor detectors or superconducting
bolometers. These detection schemes are often bulky and unable
to support real-time imaging due to their dependence upon
complex scanning mechanisms. For imaging applications it is
desirable to employ focal plane arrays (FPAs) which leads to
more compact systems. Microbolometer FPAs, which produce
images based on temperature change due to infrared absorption,
have a broad wavelength response and, unlike photon-based
FPAs, can be operated at room temperature. While advances in
microbolometer technology allow real-time imaging in the 7-13
μm wavelength range with high sensitivity, the ability to detect
THz radiation with such devices is relatively unknown. In this
paper, we report the successful imaging of various objects using
a 2.7 THz (110 μm) quantum cascade laser source and optically
modified microbolometer camera. Imaging results—produced
through single-frame and video recordings of metallic objects
obscured by opaque plastic-confirm that this detection scheme
allows for high-contrast differentiation between metallic and
non-metallic materials, and supports the viability of this method
for use in security screening applications.
Type
Article
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Physics
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research.
Funding
Format
2 p.
Citation
Behnken, Barry N., et al. "Use of 2.7-THz quantum cascade laser and microbolometer camera for imaging of concealed objects." Proc. of the 9th Int. Conf. on Intersubband Transitions in Quantum Wells. University of Leeds, UK, 2007.
Distribution Statement
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.