A Two-Dimensional Terahertz Imaging System Using Hot Electron Bolometer

Published

May 10, 2006

Author(s)

Dazhen Gu, Eyal Gerecht, Fernando Rodriquez Morales, Sigfrid Yngvesson

Abstract

We present first results with a two-dimensional(2D)scanning, terahertz passive heterodyne imaging system currently under development. The imager is based on a phonon-cooled quasi-optically coupled HEB mixer integrated with an InP MMIC IF low-noise amplifier (LNA). A harmonic multiplier with an output power of about 250 υW is employed as the local oscillator (LO) source, resulting in a very compact setup. Terahertz images are obtained by scanning the target with a flat mirror mounted on a computer-controlled elevation/azimuth translator. The receiver is designed to operate at 850 GHz, but can in principle operate at any terahertz frequency. We produce full 2D imagery of different objects. The demonstrated overall sensitivity of the imager in terms of NEΔ}T is better than 0.5 K. We are working on extending the system into a multi-pixel array configuration for faster scanning rates and improved spatial resolution.

Conference Dates

May 10-12, 2006

Conference Location

Paris, 1, FR

Conference Title

Space Terahertz Technology International Symposium

Pub Type

Conferences

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Keywords

hot electron bolometer, quasi-optical coupling, terahertz imager, twin-slot antenna

Citation

Gu, D. , Gerecht, E. , Morales, F. and Yngvesson, S. (2006), A Two-Dimensional Terahertz Imaging System Using Hot Electron Bolometer, Space Terahertz Technology International Symposium, Paris, 1, FR, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=32329 (Accessed October 20, 2025)