Real Time Terahertz Heterodyne Imaging System

Technology Assessment & Transfer, Inc. and collaborators propose the development of a frequency tunable, high dynamic range heterodyne terahertz imager (HTI) with wavelength scale spatial resolution operating at 30 frames per second. The proposed system will leverage the heterodyne imaging techniques already developed by one of the collaborators to achieve frequency tuning and high dynamic range images at 2.3 THz. Furthermore, we propose novel components for beam steering and focusing to meet the Armys desired specifications of high frame rate imaging and wavelength-scale resolution. During Phase I, novel components will be designed, modeled, and fabricated to demonstrate feasibility, the existing baseline system will be extensively characterized to aid in the design process, and a full HTI system design will be developed for both reflection and transmission modes.