The backward wave oscillator as a radiation source in terahertz imaging

摘要

We demonstrate a terahertz (THz) imaging system using a backward wave oscillator (BWO) as the source. The main imaging characteristics are reported, such as near diffraction limit resolution and low noise, as well as aspects specific to essentially monochromatic and continuous wave operation. Applications in nondestructive testing, biology, medicine, and fundamental research are presented.