Design of a Compact Low-Cost THz Imaging Scanner

摘要

A THz imager has been designed and constructed based on existing designs employed in infrared scanners. As such it is estimated that the imager can be constructed for under $50k, considerably less expensive than most THz technology. The current system employs a two-stage cryostat which accounts for much of the current space. As THz sources are developed, this cooling requirement could be relaxed in applications where active illumination is permitted. In such applications, sensitivity issues are significantly relaxed and the system can be further miniaturized by omission of the two-stage cryostat. This imager is designed to operate at 6.25 Hz and converted to standard RS170 video through a scan converter. While not operating at true video rates, it is deemed fast enough for many applications such as hidden weapons detections in slow moving containers and on individuals. Addition of a computer designed diffraction grating (computer generated hologram - CGH) will allow operation as a hyperspectral imager in the same manner.