Real-time terahertz digital holography with a quantum cascade laser

Year: 2015

Authors: Locatelli M., Ravaro M., Bartalini S., Consolino L., Vitiello MS., Cicchi R., Pavone FS., De Natale P.

Autors Affiliation: Ist Nazl Ottica, INO CNR, I-50125 Florence, Italy; European Lab NonLinear Spect, I-50019 Florence, Italy; Ist Nanosci, NEST CNR, I-56127 Pisa, Italy; Scuola Normale Super Pisa, I-56127 Pisa, Italy; Univ Firenze, Dipartimento Fis & Astron, I-50019 Florence, Italy.

Abstract: Coherent imaging in the THz range promises to exploit the peculiar capabilities of these wavelengths to penetrate common materials like plastics, ceramics, paper or clothes with potential breakthroughs in non-destructive inspection and quality control, homeland security and biomedical applications. Up to now, however, THz coherent imaging has been limited by time-consuming raster scanning, point-like detection schemes and by the lack of adequate coherent sources. Here, we demonstrate real-time digital holography (DH) at THz frequencies exploiting the high spectral purity and the mW output power of a quantum cascade laser combined with the high sensitivity and resolution of a microbolometric array. We show that, in a one-shot exposure, phase and amplitude information of whole samples, either in reflection or in transmission, can be recorded. Furthermore, a 200 times reduced sensitivity to mechanical vibrations and a significantly enlarged field of view are observed, as compared to DH in the visible range. These properties of THz DH enable unprecedented holographic recording of real world dynamic scenes.

Journal/Review: SCIENTIFIC REPORTS

Volume: 5      Pages from: 13566-1  to: 13566-7

More Information: This work was partly supported by the Italian Ministry of Education, University, and Research (MIUR) through the program \”FIRB-Futuro in Ricerca 2010\” RBFR10LULP Fundamental research on terahertz photonic devices\”.
DOI: 10.1038/srep13566

Citations: 84
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