Integrated system of traditional THz time-domain spectroscopy and asynchronous optical sampling

Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy(THz-TDS)system,as a new means of spectral analysis and detection,plays an increasingly pivotal role in basic scientific research.However,owing to the long scanning time of the traditional THz-TDS system and the complex control of the asynchronous optical scanning(ASOPS)system,which requires frequent calibration,we combine traditional THz-TDS and ASOPS systems to form a composite system and propose an all-fiber trigger signal generation method based on the time overlapping interference signal generated by the collinear motion of two laser pulses.Finally,the time-domain and frequency-domain spectra are obtained by using two independent systems in the integrated systems.It is found that the full width at half maximum(FWHM)of the time-domain spectra and the spectral width of the frequency-domain spectra are almost the same,but the sampling speed of the ASOPS system is significantly faster than that of the traditional THz-TDS system,which conduces to the study of the transient characteristics of substances.

Broadband terahertz time-domain spectroscopy and fast FMCW imaging: Principle and applications

We report a broadband terahertz time-domain spectroscopy(THz-TDS)which enables twenty vibrational modes of adenosine nucleoside to be resolved in a wide frequency range of 1-20 THz.The observed spectroscopic features of adenosine are in good agreement with the published spectra obtained using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR)and Raman spectroscopy.This much extended bandwidth leads to enhanced material characterization capability as it provides spectroscopic information on both intra-and inter-molecular vibrations.In addition,we also report a low-cost frequency modulation continuous wave(FMCW)imaging system which has a fast measurement speed of 40000 waveforms per second.Cross-sectional imaging capability through cardboard has also been demonstrated using its excellent penetration capability at a frequency range of 76-81 GHz.We anticipate that the integration of these two complementary imaging technologies would be highly desirable for many real-world applications because it provides both spectroscopic discrimination and penetration capabilities in a single instrument.

Investigation of copper sulfate pentahydrate dehydration by terahertz time-domain spectroscopy

Copper sulfate pentahydrate is investigated by terahertz time-domain spectroscopy. It is shown that the terahertz absorption coefficients are correlated with the particle size of the samples, as well as the heating rates of the ambient temperature. Furthermore, the water molecules of copper sulfate pentahydrate can be quantitatively characterized due to the high sensitivity of the terahertz wave to water molecules. Based on such results, the status of water incorporated in mineral opal is also characterized using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy. It indicates that terahertz technology can be considered as an efficient method to detect the dehydration of minerals.

Terahertz Time-Domain Spectroscopy method for optical parameter extraction of plastic materials

A method for extracting optical parameters of plastics materials based on terahertz time domain spectroscopy is presented. The transmission-type Terahertz Time-Domain Spectroscopy(THz TDS) system is adopted to detect the refractive index and extinction coefficient on different plastic materials. Then the corresponding spectral information is obtained by Fourier transform of the terahertz time domain waveform of the sampling points, including the corresponding amplitude and phase information of the waveform. The optical parameter extraction model is built. By using the simplex optimization method, the curves of the refractive index and extinction coefficient for the plastic material are obtained. The experimental samples are made of different plastic parallel plate materials. The experimental results show that the optimization of optical parameters can improve their extraction accuracy, and the error of refractive index is ±0.005. Extraction technology with the simplex optimization method of optical parameter based on THz TDS can help to extract the optical parameters of engineering plastics. It is of great significance for the research of terahertz nondestructive testing.

Temperature and Pressure Effects on Terahertz Time-Domain Spectroscopy of Crystalline Methedrine by Molecular Dynamics Simulation

In this study, the terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) of crystalline methedrine, which is one of the illegal drugs, is performed using molecular dynamics simulation by the Fourier transform of time derivative auto-correlation functions of the dipole moment. In order to accurately detect the drugs from samples, it is necessary to build a complete database for terahertz spectra under different external conditions from theoretical calculation, which are hardly obtained from the experiments directly. Our results show remarkable consistency with the available experimental data in the frequency range of 10 - 100 cm-1 indicating that the presented method has significant capability to simulate terahertz spectra at various conditions. We investigated the effects of temperature and pressure on THz-TDS by simulating the system at temperature range between 78.4 K and 400 K at pressures up to 100 atm. Results show the spectral features of THz-TDS both in intensity and profile are highly sensitive to the variation of temperature and with a lower magnitude to the variation of pressure. The vanishing, rebuilding and shifting of spectral peaks are due to the complex mechanisms such as the anharmonicity, shifting in the vibration energy levels, formation and destruction of hydrogen-binding and the deformation of the potential energy surface during the environment changing. This improved our understanding for complicated THz-TDS of crystalline methedrine and would be useful for assignment of the practical measurements.

Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy of a simulated pore structure to probe particle size and porosity of porous rock

The particle sizes and porosities of simulated pore structures are probed by terahertz time-domain spectroscopy.A double-peak time-domain spectrum phenomenon is observed when the terahertz(THz) pulses illuminated a pore and a particle. The amplitudes of the two peaks depend strongly and monotonically on the particle size and porosity. A model is used to study the phenomenon, and the computational results agreed with the experimental measurements. These measurements indicate the terahertz spectroscopic behaviors of pores and particles, suggesting that terahertz spectroscopy can be used as a noncontact probe of porosity.

Far-infrared conductivity of CuS nanoparticles measured by terahertz time-domain spectroscopy

This paper reports that terahertz time-domain spectroscopy is used to measure the optical properties of CuS nanoparticles in composite samples.The complex conductivity of pure CuS nanoparticles is extracted by applying the Bruggeman effective medium theory.The experimental data are consistent with the Drude-Smith model of conductivity in the range of 0.2-1.5 THz.The results demonstrate that carriers become localized with a backscattering behaviour in small-size nanostructures.In addition,the time constant for the carrier scattering is obtained and is only 64.3 fs due to increased electron interaction with interfaces and grain boundaries.

The transmission enhancement of a THz pulse through an Ag/Ag_2 O layer detected by terahertz time-domain spectroscopy

This paper reports a new way to detect the enhanced transmission of a THz electromagnetic wave through an Ag/Ag 2 O layer by THz-TDS(time-domain spectroscopy).As the THz beam illuminates the sub-wavelength Ag particles gained by Ag 2 O thermal decomposition,the evanescent wave is generated.The evanescent wave is coupled by a 500μmGaAs substrate,which attaches behind the Ag/Ag 2 O layer,and then it transmits to the far field to be detected.The experimental results indicate that the transmitting amplitude is enhanced,as well as the frequent shifting and spectra broadening.

Terahertz Time-Domain Spectroscopy and Its Applications

The terahertz time-domain spectroscopy(THz-TDS)system and the related technology and the applications in Capital Normal University are presented.The most often used THz-TDS system as a spectroscopic measurement setup in our lab is introduced in detail,including the THz radiation source,the THz detection method and its measurement,and the control system.THz spectra of various materials is summarized and discussed.These materials include but not limited to two kinds of typical matter—the illegal drugs and explosives.The biological macro-molecules,cosmetics and fine chemical materials,edible pigments and food additives,homocysteic acid and related compounds,heavy ions in soil,Chinese medicines,tobacco and crops,oil and chemical products,carbon nanotubes,superconductors,and various semiconductors and their heterojunctions,are presented.THz emissions from the InAs and InN semiconductors surface are compared.THz spectral investigation of metallic mesh structures is summarized.Finally,an outlook of THz spectroscopic applications is given.

Investigation of solid-state reaction by terahertz time-domain spectroscopy

Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy(THz-TDS)was utilized to investigate the solid-state reaction between L(+)-Tartaric acid and sodium hydrogen carbonate.Solid sodium hydrogen L(+)-tartrate monohydrate was synthesized efficiently by mechanical grinding,which is particularly sustainable and environmentally benign.Distinct THz absorptions were observed for pure reactants and the proposed product.The reaction process could be clearly visualized by THz spectral patterns of the reaction mixtures at different grinding time.The observed results were further confirmed by synchrotron radiation X-ray powder diffraction(SRXRPD)and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR)spectroscopy.The study demonstrates that THz-TDS is an effective novel tool to monitor solid-state reactions in pharmaceutical industry.

Electronic properties of 2H-stacking bilayer MoS_(2)measured by terahertz time-domain spectroscopy

Bilayer (BL) molybdenum disulfide (MoS_(2)) is one of the most important electronic structures not only in valleytronics but also in realizing twistronic systems on the basis of the topological mosaics in moiré superlattices. In this work, BL MoS_(2) on sapphire substrate with 2H-stacking structure is fabricated. We apply the terahertz (THz) time-domain spectroscopy (TDS) for examining the basic optoelectronic properties of this kind of BL MoS_(2). The optical conductivity of BL MoS_(2) is obtained in temperature regime from 80 K to 280 K. Through fitting the experimental data with the theoretical formula, the key sample parameters of BL MoS_(2) can be determined, such as the electron density, the electronic relaxation time and the electronic localization factor. The temperature dependence of these parameters is examined and analyzed. We find that, similar to monolayer (ML) MoS_(2), BL MoS_(2) with 2H-stacking can respond strongly to THz radiation field and show semiconductor-like optoelectronic features. The theoretical calculations using density functional theory (DFT) can help us to further understand why the THz optoelectronic properties of BL MoS_(2) differ from those observed for ML MoS_(2). The results obtained from this study indicate that the THz TDS can be applied suitably to study the optoelectronic properties of BL MoS_(2) based twistronic systems for novel applications as optical and optoelectronic materials and devices.

Spatial sensitivity to absorption changes for various near-infrared spectroscopy methods:A compendium review

This compendium review focuses on the spatial distribution of sensitivity to localized absorption changes in optically diffuse media,particularly for measurements relevant to near-infrared spectroscopy.The three temporal domains,continuous wave,frequency domain,and time domain,each obtain different optical data types whose changes may be related to effective homogeneous changes in the absorption coefficient.Sensitivity is the relationship between a localized perturbation and the recovered effective homogeneous absorption change.Therefore,spatial sensitivity maps representing the perturbation location can be generated for the numerous optical data types in the three temporal domains.The review first presents a history of the past 30 years of work investigating this sensitivity in optically diffuse media.These works are experimental and theoretical,presenting one-,two-,and three-dimensional sensitivity maps for different Near-Infrared Spectroscopy methods,domains,and data types.Following this history,we present a compendium of sensitivity maps organized by temporal domain and then data type.This compendium provides a valuable tool to compare the spatial sensitivity of various measurement methods and parameters in one document.Methods for one to generate these maps are provided in Appendix A,including the code.This historical review and comprehensive sensitivity map compendium provides a single source researchers may use to visualize,investigate,compare,and generate sensitivity to localized absorption change maps.

In situ infrared, Raman and X-ray spectroscopy for the mechanistic understanding of hydrogen evolution reaction

Hydrogen production by water reduction reactions has received considerable attention because hydrogen is considered a clean-energy carrier,key for a sustainable energy future.Computational methods have been widely used to study the reaction mechanism of the hydrogen evolution reaction(HER),but the calculation results need to be supported by experimental results and direct evidence to confirm the mechanistic insights.In this review,we discuss the fundamental principles of the in situ spectroscopic strategy and a theoretical model for a mechanistic understanding of the HER.In addition,we investigate recent studies by in situ Fourier transform infrared(FTIR),Raman spectroscopy,and X-ray absorption spectroscopy(XAS) and cover new findings that occur at the catalyst-electrolyte interface during HER.These spectroscopic strategies provide practical ways to elucidate catalyst phase,reaction intermediate,catalyst-electrolyte interface,intermediate binding energy,metal valency state,and coordination environment during HER.

Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) Model-Based Prediction for Protein Content in Cowpea

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) is a multi-purpose legume with high quality protein for human consumption and livestock. The objective of this work was to develop near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) prediction models to estimate protein content in cowpea. A total of 116 cowpea breeding lines with a wide range of protein contents (19.28 % to 32.04%) were selected to build the model using whole seed and ground seed samples. Partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) regression technique with different pre-treatments (derivatives, standard normal variate, and multiplicative scatter correction) were carried out to develop the protein prediction model. Results showed: 1) spectral plots of both the whole seed and ground seed showed higher spectral scatter at higher wavelengths (>1450 nm), 2) data pre-processing affects prediction accuracy for bot whole seed and ground seed samples, 3) prediction using ground seed samples (0.64 R2 0.85) is better than the whole seed (0.33 R2 0.78), and 4) the data pre-processing second derivative with standard normal variate has the best prediction (R2_whole seed = 0.78, R2_ground seed = 0.85). The results will be of interest in cowpea breeding programs aimed at improving total seed protein content.

Time-domain dynamic constitutive model suitable for mucky soil site seismic response

Soil nonlinear behavior displays noticeable effects on the site seismic response.This study proposes a new functional expression of the skeleton curve to replace the hyperbolic skeleton curve.By integrating shear modulus and combining the dynamic skeleton curve and the damping degradation coefficient,the constitutive equation of the logarithmic dynamic skeleton can be obtained,which considers the damping effect in a soil dynamics problem.Based on the finite difference method and the multi-transmitting boundary condition,a 1D site seismic response analysis program called Soilresp1D has been developed herein and used to analyze the time-domain seismic response in three types of sites.At the same time,this study also provides numerical simulation results based on the hyperbolic constitutive model and the equivalent linear method.The results verify the rationality of the new soil dynamic constitutive model.It can analyze the mucky soil site nonlinear seismic response,reflecting the deformation characteristics and damping effect of the silty soil.The hysteresis loop area is more extensive,and the residual strain is evident.

Laser spectroscopy imaging technique coupled withnanomaterials for cancer diagnosis: A review

Laser spectroscopic imaging techniques have received tremendous attention in the-eld of cancer diagnosis due to their high sensitivity,high temporal resolution,and short acquisition time.However,the limited tissue penetration of the laser is still a challenge for the in vivo diagnosis of deep-seated lesions.Nanomaterials have been universally integrated with spectroscopic imaging techniques for deeper cancer diagnosis in vivo.The components,morphology,and sizes of nanomaterials are delicately designed,which could realize cancer diagnosis in vivo or in situ.Considering the enhanced signal emitting from the nanomaterials,we emphasized their combination with spectroscopic imaging techniques for cancer diagnosis,like the surface-enhanced Raman scattering(SERS),photoacoustic,fluorescence,and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy(LIBS).Applications ofthe above spectroscopic techniques offer new prospectsfor cancer diagnosis.

A dual-route optical emission spectroscopy diagnostic with wide spectral range and high wavelength resolution on HL-2A tokamak

A dual-route optical emission spectroscopy(D-OES)diagnostic is newly developed to monitor the optical emission from the X-point plasma region on the HL-2 A tokamak.This diagnostic is composed of an imaging system,a beam-splitting system for dual-route measurements,fiber bundles,a spectrometer system,and a control and acquisition system.One route is used to obtain wide-spectral-range spectra,and the other route is used to acquire high-wavelengthresolution line shapes.The spectral resolution of the wide-range spectrometers is 0.8 nm with a coverage of 800 nm(@200-1000 nm).The spectral resolution of the high-resolution spectrometer is 0.01 nm with a coverage of 6 nm(@200-660 nm).The spatial resolution of each route of D-OES is about 4 cm with 11 channels.The temporal resolution is 16 ms at maximum in the single-channel mode.Wide-range spectra(containing Balmer series and a Fulcher band)and highly resolved Ha line shapes are obtained by D-OES in the hydrogen glow discharge in the lab.D-OES measurements are carried out in the high-density deuterium experiments of HL-2A.The electron density n_(e)and deuterium temperature T_(D) in the X-point multifaceted asymmetric radiation from the edge(MARFE)region are derived simultaneously by fitting the measured D_(a) shape.The density n_(e)is observed to increase from~8.7×10^(18)m^(-3)to~7.8×10^(19)m^(-3),and the temperature T_(D)drops from~14.4 eV to~2.3 eV after the onset of MARFE in the discharge#38260.

Core-level spectroscopy of the photodissociation process of BrCN molecule

Fewest-switches surfacing hopping(FSSH) simulations have been performed with the high-level multi-reference electronic structure method to explore the coupled electronic and nuclear dynamics upon photoexcitation of cyanogen bromide(BrCN). The potential energy surfaces(PES) of BrCN are charted as functions of the Jacobi coordinates(R, θ). An indepth examination of the FSSH trajectories reveals the temporal dynamics of the molecule and the population changes of the lowest twelve states during BrCN's photodissociation process, which presents a rich tapestry of dynamical information.Furthermore, the carbon K-edge x-ray absorption spectroscopy(XAS) is calculated with multi-reference inner-shell spectral simulations. The rotation of the CN fragment and the elongation of the C–Br bond are found to be the reason for the peak shifting in the XAS. Our findings offer a nuanced interpretation for inner-shell probe investigations of BrCN, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of the photodissociation process of cyanogen halides molecules.

Estimating the yield stress of soft materials via laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

Taking three typical soft samples prepared respectively by loose packings of 77-,95-,and 109-μm copper grains as examples,we perform an experiment to investigate the energy-dependent laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy(LIBS)of soft materials.We discovered a reversal phenomenon in the trend of energy dependence of plasma emission intensity:increasing initially and then decreasing separated by a well-defined critical energy.The trend reversal is attributed to the laser-induced recoil pressure at the critical energy just matching the sample's yield strength.As a result,a one-to-one correspondence can be well established between the samples'yield stress and the critical energy that is easily obtainable from LIBS measurements.This allows us to propose an innovative method for estimating the yield stress of soft materials via LIBS with attractive advantages including in-situ remote detection,real-time data collection,and minimal destructive to sample.

Ultrafast carrier dynamics in GeSn thin film based on time-resolved terahertz spectroscopy

We measure the time-resolved terahertz spectroscopy of GeSn thin film and studied the ultrafast dynamics of its photo-generated carriers.The experimental results show that there are photo-generated carriers in GeSn under femtosecond laser excitation at 2500 nm,and its pump-induced photoconductivity can be explained by the Drude–Smith model.The carrier recombination process is mainly dominated by defect-assisted Auger processes and defect capture.The firstand second-order recombination rates are obtained by the rate equation fitting,which are(2.6±1.1)×10^(-2)ps^(-1)and(6.6±1.8)×10^(-19)cm^(3)·ps^(-1),respectively.Meanwhile,we also obtain the diffusion length of photo-generated carriers in GeSn,which is about 0.4μm,and it changes with the pump delay time.These results are important for the GeSn-based infrared optoelectronic devices,and demonstrate that Ge Sn materials can be applied to high-speed optoelectronic detectors and other applications.