Experimental research on spectrum and imaging of continuous-wave terahertz radiation based on interferometry

A system for measuring terahertz spectrum is proposed based on optical interferometer theory, and is experimentally demonstrated by using a backward-wave oscillator as the terahertz source. A high-resolution, high-precision interferometer is constructed by using a pyroelectric detector and a chopper. The results show that the spectral resolution is better than 1 GHz and the relative error of frequency is less than 3%. The terahertz energy density distribution is calculated by an inverse Fourier transform and tested to verify the feasibility of the interferometric approach. Two kinds of carbon-fiber composites are imaged. The results confirm that the interferometer is useful for transmission imaging of materials with different thickness values.

Super-resolution reconstruction algorithm for terahertz imaging below diffraction limit

Terahertz(THz)imaging has drawn significant attention because THz wave has a unique capability to transient,ultrawide spectrum and low photon energy.However,the low resolution has always been a problem due to its long wavelength,limiting their application of fields practical use.In this paper,we proposed a complex one-shot super-resolution(COSSR)framework based on a complex convolution neural network to restore superior THz images at 0.35 times wavelength by extracting features directly from a reference measured sample and groundtruth without the measured PSF.Compared with real convolution neural network-based approaches and complex zero-shot super-resolution(CZSSR),COSSR delivers at least 6.67,0.003,and 6.96%superior higher imaging efficacy in terms of peak signal to noise ratio(PSNR),mean square error(MSE),and structural similarity index measure(SSIM),respectively,for the analyzed data.Additionally,the proposed method is experimentally demonstrated to have a good generalization and to perform well on measured data.The COSSR provides a new pathway for THz imaging super-resolution(SR)reconstruction below the diffraction limit.

A promising diagnostic method:Terahertz pulsed imaging and spectroscopy

The terahertz band lies between the microwave and infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.This radiation has very low photon energy and thus it does not pose any ionization hazard for biological tissues.It is strongly attenuated by water and very sensitive to water content.Unique absorption spectra due to intermolecular vibrations in this region have been found in different biological materials.These unique features make tera-hertz imaging very attractive for medical applications in order to provide complimentary information to existing imaging techniques.There has been an increasing interest in terahertz imaging and spectroscopy of biologically related applications within the last few years and more and more terahertz spectra are being reported.This paper introduces terahertz technology and provides a short review of recent advances in terahertz imaging and spectroscopy techniques,and a number of applications such as molecular spectroscopy,tissue characterization and skin imaging are discussed.

Feasibility of terahertz imaging for discrimination of human hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide, and novel methods for early/rapid diagnosis of HCC are needed.Terahertz(THz) spectroscopy is considered to have the potential to distinguish between normal liver tissue and HCC tissue; however, there are few reports on it.We conduct this observational study to explore the feasibility of THz imaging for the diagnosis of HCC.AIM To evaluate the feasibility of THz for discriminating between HCC and normal liver tissues using fresh tissue specimens obtained from HCC patients who had undergone surgery.METHODS Normal liver tissue and HCC tissue were cryosectioned into 50 μm-thick slicesand placed on cover glass. Two adjacent tissue sections were separated subjected to histopathological examination by hematoxylin and eosin staining or THz transmission examination, and THz images were compared with pathologically mapped images. We determined the typical tumor and normal liver tissue regions by pathological examination; the corresponding areas of adjacent sections were examined by THz transmission.RESULTS The transmission rate of HCC tissue was 0.15-0.25, and the transmission rate of typical HCC tissue was about 0.2. THz transmittance in normal liver tissue is slightly higher than 0.4, but there were many influencing factors, including the degree of liver cirrhosis, fat components, ice crystals in frozen sections, and apoptosis.CONCLUSION In conclusion, this study shows that THz imaging can detect HCC tissue. Further research will yield more detailed data of the THz transmission rates of HCC tissue with different degrees of differentiation.

Terahertz composite imaging method

In order to improve the imaging quality of terahertz(THz) spectroscopy, Terahertz Composite Imaging Method(TCIM) is proposed. The traditional methods of improving THz spectroscopy image quality are mainly from the aspects of de-noising and image enhancement. TCIM breaks through this limitation. A set of images, reconstructed in a single data collection, can be utilized to construct two kinds of composite images. One algorithm, called Function Superposition Imaging Algorithm(FSIA), is to construct a new gray image utilizing multiple gray images through a certain function. The features of the Region Of Interest(ROI) are more obvious after operating, and it has capability of merging ROIs in multiple images. The other, called Multi-characteristics Pseudo-color Imaging Algorithm(Mc Pc IA), is to construct a pseudo-color image by combining multiple reconstructed gray images in a single data collection. The features of ROI are enhanced by color differences. Two algorithms can not only improve the contrast of ROIs, but also increase the amount of information resulting in analysis convenience. The experimental results show that TCIM is a simple and effective tool for THz spectroscopy image analysis.

Single‐pixel terahertz imaging:a review

This paper is devoted to reviewing the results achieved so far in the application of the single-pixel imaging technique to terahertz(THz)systems.The use of THz radiation for imaging purposes has been largely explored in the last twenty years,due to the unique capabilities of this kind of radiation in interrogating material properties.However,THz imaging systems are still limited by the long acquisition time required to reconstruct the object image and significant efforts have been recently directed to overcome this drawback.One of the most promising approaches in this sense is the so-called“single-pixel”imaging,which in general enables image reconstruction by patterning the beam probing the object and measuring the total transmission(or reflection)with a single-pixel detector(i.e.,with no spatial resolution).The main advantages of such technique are that i)no bulky moving parts are required to raster-scan the object and ii)compressed sensing(CS)algorithms,which allow an appropriate reconstruction of the image with an incomplete set of measurements,can be successfully implemented.Overall,this can result in a reduction of the acquisition time.In this review,we cover the experimental solutions proposed to implement such imaging technique at THz frequencies,as well as some practical uses for typical THz applications.

Terahertz endoscopic imaging for colorectal cancer detection:Current status and future perspectives

Terahertz(THz) imaging is progressing as a robust platform for myriad applications in the field of security,health,and material science.The THz regime,which comprises wavelengths spanning from microns to millimeters,is non-ionizing and has very low photon energy:Making it inherently safe for biological imaging.Colorectal cancer is one of the most common causes of death in the world,while the conventional screening and standard of care yet relies exclusively on the physician's experience.Researchers have been working on the development of a flexible THz endoscope,as a potential tool to aid in colorectal cancer screening.This involves building a single-channel THz endoscope,and profiling the THz response from colorectal tissue,and demonstrating endogenous contrast levels between normal and diseased tissue when imaging in reflection modality.The current level of contrast provided by the prototype THz endoscopic system represents a significant step towards clinical endoscopic application of THz technology for invivo colorectal cancer screening.The aim of this paper is to provide a short review of the recent advances in THz endoscopic technology and cancer imaging.In particular,the potential of single-channel THz endoscopic imaging for colonic cancer screening will be highlighted.

Exploration of high-speed 3.0 THz imaging with a 65 nm CMOS process

This paper describes a promising route for the exploration and development of 3.0 THz sensing and imaging with FET-based power detectors in a standard 65 nm CMOS process.Based on the plasma-wave theory proposed by Dyakonov and Shur,we designed high-responsivity and low-noise multiple detectors for monitoring a pulse-mode 3.0 THz quantum cascade laser(QCL).Furthermore,we present a fully integrated high-speed 32×32-pixel 3.0 THz CMOS image sensor(CIS).The full CIS measures 2.81×5.39 mm^(2) and achieves a 423 V/W responsivity(Rv)and a 5.3 nW integral noise equivalent power(NEP)at room temperature.In experiments,we demonstrate a testing speed reaching 319 fps under continuous-wave(CW)illumina-tion of a 3.0 THz QCL.The results indicate that our terahertz CIS has excellent potential in cost-effective and commercial THz imaging and material detection.

Terahertz Three-Dimensional Imaging Based on Computed Tomography with Photonics-Based Noise Source

Computed tomography has been proven to be useful for non-destructive inspection of structures and materials. We build a three-dimensional imaging system with the photonically generated incoherent noise source and the Schottky barrier diode detector in the terahertz frequency band （90–140GHz）. Based on the computed tomography technique, the three-dimensional image of a ceramic sample is reconstructed successfully by stacking the slices at different heights. The imaging results not only indicate the ability of terahertz wave in the non-invasive sensing and non-destructive inspection applications, but also prove the effectiveness and superiority of the uni-traveling-carrier photodiode as a terahertz source in the imaging applications.

A new horizon for neuroscience:terahertz biotechnology in brain research

Terahertz biotechnology has been increasingly applied in various biomedical fields and has especially shown great potential for application in brain sciences.In this article,we review the development of terahertz biotechnology and its applications in the field of neuropsychiatry.Available evidence indicates promising prospects for the use of terahertz spectroscopy and terahertz imaging techniques in the diagnosis of amyloid disease,cerebrovascular disease,glioma,psychiatric disease,traumatic brain injury,and myelin deficit.In vitro and animal experiments have also demonstrated the potential therapeutic value of terahertz technology in some neuropsychiatric diseases.Although the precise underlying mechanism of the interactions between terahertz electromagnetic waves and the biosystem is not yet fully understood,the research progress in this field shows great potential for biomedical noninvasive diagnostic and therapeutic applications.However,the biosafety of terahertz radiation requires further exploration regarding its two-sided efficacy in practical applications.This review demonstrates that terahertz biotechnology has the potential to be a promising method in the field of neuropsychiatry based on its unique advantages.

Spectroscopic measurements and terahertz imaging of the cornea using a rapid scanning terahertz time domain spectrometer

Spectroscopic measurements and terahertz imaging of the cornea are carried out by using a rapid scanning terahertz time domain spectroscopy（THz-TDS） system.A voice coil motor stage based optical delay line（VCM-ODL） is developed to provide a rather simple and robust structure with both the high scanning speed and the large delay length.The developed system is used for THz spectroscopic measurements and imaging of the corneal tissue with different amounts of water content,and the measurement results show the consistence with the reported results,in which the measurement time using VCM-ODL is a factor of 360 shorter than the traditional motorized optical delay line（MDL）.With reducing the water content a monotonic decrease of the complex permittivity of the cornea is observed.The two-term Debye relaxation model is employed to explain our experimental results,revealing that the fast relaxation time of a dehydrated cornea is much larger than that of a hydrated cornea and its dielectric behavior can be affected by the presence of the biological macromolecules.These results demonstrate that our THz spectrometer may be a promising candidate for tissue hydration sensing and practical application of THz technology.

Terahertz two-pixel imaging based on complementary compressive sensing

A compact terahertz（THz） imaging system based on complementary compressive sensing has been proposed using two single-pixel detectors. By using a mechanical spatial light modulator, sampling in the transmission and reflection orientations was achieved simultaneously, which allows imaging with negative mask values. The improvement of THz image quality and anti-noise performance has been verified experimentally compared with the traditional reconstructed image, and is in good agreement with the numerical simulation. The demonstrated imaging system, with the advantages of high imaging quality and strong anti-noise property, opens up possibilities for new applications in the THz region.

Terahertz Transmission Imaging with 2.52 THz Continuous Wave

In this article, two terahertz transmission imaging systems are built with a 2.52 THz continuous wave laser and two types of sensors. One is array scanning system using a 124×124 pyro-electric array camera as the detector; the other is a point-wise scanning system utilizing a Golay cell as the detector. The imaging speed and quality is briefly analyzed. Terahertz （THz） imaging results demonstrate that the array scanning system has higher imaging speed with lower resolution. The point-wise scanning system has higher imaging quality with lower speed.

Pixel for Passive Terahertz Imaging System （PTIS） at the Base of Josephson Junction in Self-Pumping Regime

The use of Josephson junctions （JJ） in self-pumping mode as one of the heterodyne detection method can stay the new trend for design modern passive terahertz imaging system （PT1S）. Combination superconductive and semiconductor technologies on the one substrate in any case will born principal trend of the critical electronic technologies, including the realization superconductive JJ near the gate of a semiconductor transistor. Further development will allow to realize the PTIS system with electronic tuning of the receiving frequency. At the same time there exists yet additional new possibility to measure the frequency of the receiving signals （very briefly） on JJ.

基于太赫兹成像检测技术与特征提取方法结合巴旦木饱满度检测方法研究

巴旦木是一种营养丰富的坚果,对巴旦木的品质进行检测具有重要的经济价值和实际意义。由于巴旦木具有较为坚硬的外壳,传统的检测手段较难实现内部检测,因此,采用新兴的太赫兹透射成像检测技术,开展巴旦木饱满度的检测研究。首先采集不同饱满度巴旦木的太赫兹透射图像,并且从太赫兹图像的感兴趣区域分别提取无样品区域、空壳区域和满仁区域的太赫兹光谱信息;为了提高模型的精度,减少计算量,采用竞争性自适应重加权算法(CARS)、无信息变量消除(UVE)、连续投影算法(SPA)、蒙特卡罗无信息变量消除法(MCUVE)和遗传算法(GA)对太赫兹光谱信息进行特征提取,建立对应的最小二乘支持向量机(LS-SVM)、随机森林(RF)和K-近邻(KNN)定性判别模型,对巴旦木的饱满和空壳区域进行检测和鉴别。此外,对太赫兹特征图像转为JPG格式,接着转化为RGB格式进行G通道提取和图像二值化分离出外壳和果仁图像,检测饱满度为太赫兹特征图像的壳仁像素点之比;对原始图像进行轮廓提取和图像二值化分离出外壳和果仁图像,实际饱满度为原始图像的壳仁像素点之比。通过计算检测饱满度和实际饱满度的误差,证明了太赫兹透射成像技术检测巴旦木饱满度的可行性。建立的KS-GA-RF模型的鉴别效果最优,准确率为98.21%;通过壳仁像素点之比分别计算出对应的检测饱满度和实际饱满度,误差为16%。研究验证了采用太赫兹图、谱相融合的方法,可以很好地实现对巴旦木内部种仁饱满度可视化检测,为巴旦木的准确分级提供了新的思路,也为太赫兹成像技术检测其他坚果饱满度提供了理论参考,具有重要的应用价值。

一种基于太赫兹成像的复杂地形自适应定高方法

针对现有近感探测器难以适应复杂地形情况下的精确定高问题,提出一种基于成像的图像域自适应对地高度估计方法。该方法将多普勒锐化成像原理应用到前下视场景,利用太赫兹频段分辨力高、孔径合成长度短的优势,采用太赫兹前下视成像实现地形感知,将传统近感探测器的一维距离测量扩展为二维成像测量,实现对运动轨迹前下方地形地貌的精确感知。在获得地面目标图像后,利用地面图像特征,采用图像域特征拟合方法实现对地高度估计。对前下视多普勒锐化成像的参数设计和成像算法进行了理论分析和仿真验证,开发了一套工作于220 GHz频段的太赫兹近感探测系统,并开展了无人机挂载试验。试验表明,该方法能有效感知地表目标环境,排除角反、树木等其他目标对地面高度测量的干扰,测高精确度达0.5 m,证明了该基于太赫兹成像的对地高度估计方法的可行性,为基于图像域特征提升近感探测器对复杂地形适应能力和感知能力奠定了工作基础。

基于专利数据的全球太赫兹近场显微成像技术发展状况分析与我国发展对策研究

近年来,太赫兹技术迅猛发展,太赫兹近场显微成像技术既是太赫兹领域的重点也是难点。本文从多角度分析太赫兹近场显微成像领域专利技术发展状况,包括技术演进趋势、地域布局、申请人分布、技术领域分布和重点申请人技术策略分析,并从上述维度为国内创新主体把握技术趋势、规划研发方向、进行技术布局保护及制定竞争策略等提供了较详细深入的客观信息与参考建议。

太赫兹时域光谱成像增强算法

低分辨率是扫描太赫兹时域光谱(THz-TDS)系统图像的一个重要缺点.本文提出了一种针对太赫兹时域光谱图像的超分辨率增强算法,该算法结合了多层感知机(MLP)和超分辨率卷积神经网络(SRCNN),创建了一个复合网络.本文算法针对太赫兹光谱图像的特点,通过引入新的目标函数,避免了传统机器学习算法需要采集或模拟生成大量训练集的弊端,实现了训练图像即目标图像的单幅光谱图像增强.为了实现这一目标,本文算法的基本原理是,让试件产生一个刚体位移,利用THz-TDS系统采集位移前后两幅三维(1个时间维,2个空间维)光谱图像作为输入数据.机器学习网络包括两部分:首先,利用一个MLP网络实现三维光谱图像到二维光强图像的转化;其次,采用传统针对二维图像的SRCNN网络获取一幅高分辨率图像,对位移前后图像处理后计算得到新的高分辨率图像的位移场,并将位移场方差作为目标函数,再通过机器学习算法,优化网络中的成像参数,实现太赫兹光谱图像的分辨率增强.典型验证性实验最终得到的峰值信噪比为42.65 dB,结构相似度为0.816,均比其他现有方法高,表明本文算法能获得良好的图像增强.

开展可见光—红外线—太赫兹波成像系列实验培养解决真实问题人才

物理学的研究成果有力推动了三次工业革命的发展。进入新世纪以来,量子计算、低维物理、量子探测等现代物理研究成果正在促进第四次工业革命暨工业4.0向纵深发展。笔者在大学物理实验中规划布局多层次物理实验题目,以开展可见光-红外线-太赫兹波探测与成像系列实验为例,介绍了学生深刻理解不同波段的电磁波在新旧产业领域应用性的异同。这一教学模式有利于学生掌握近现代物理成果与实验综合技能,培养他们成为解决新产业领域面临的真实问题的新理工科人才,从容面对新技术革命与职业选择。

元素成像技术在安检领域的研究进展

元素成像作为一种快速、直观的无损检测技术,在核工业、航空航天、新能源、地质、考古、先进制造等多个领域得到广泛应用。其中X射线凭借较强穿透物体的能力,在安检领域已得到广泛应用。太赫兹和毫米波凭借对人体无接触、几乎无损害的特点,在安检领域崭露头角。对这三种元素成像技术的原理、成像过程、安检图像数据集和近几年的图像增强和智能处理技术进行了总结和归纳。未来,随着应用的深入发掘和技术的不断进步,元素成像和人工智能的结合必将进一步深入,不断提高分析的质量和速度,从而以高水平安全保障社会经济的高质量发展。