Method and apparatus for terahertz imaging
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method of imaging an object comprising the steps of:
- transmitting a sequence of pulse signals at a particular point on said object, said signals being in the range of frequencies from 100 GHz to 20 THz;
detecting said signals after propagation through said object;
translating said object to cause said signals to pass through a plurality of spatially distinct areas on said object; and
analyzing spectral information in the time domain to create an image of said object, said information contained in the received signals.
9 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Certain material and objects can be characterized by a frequency-dependent absorption, dispersion, and reflection of terahertz transients in signals which pass illuminate the material or object. The present terahertz imaging system analyses that frequency dependence in the time-domain by collecting that transmitted signal propagating through the object and then processing the information contained in those signals for every point or "pixel" on that object. This is a non-invasive imaging technique that is capable of differentiating between different materials, chemical compositions, or environments.
-
Citations
4 Claims
-
1. A method of imaging an object comprising the steps of:
-
transmitting a sequence of pulse signals at a particular point on said object, said signals being in the range of frequencies from 100 GHz to 20 THz; detecting said signals after propagation through said object; translating said object to cause said signals to pass through a plurality of spatially distinct areas on said object; and analyzing spectral information in the time domain to create an image of said object, said information contained in the received signals. - View Dependent Claims (2)
-
-
3. An apparatus for imaging an object, comprising
a source of pulse signals, said signals being in the range of frequencies from 100 GHz to 20 THz; -
imaging optics for causing said signals to be focused on a particular area of said object; a detector for receiving said signals after propagation through said object; means for translating said object to cause said signals to pass through a plurality of spatially distinct areas on said object; and means coupled to said detector for analyzing spectral information in the time domain to create an image of said object, said information contained in the received pulse signals. - View Dependent Claims (4)
-
Specification