Continuous Wave Compressive Sensing Terahertz Spectrometer for Low Vapor Pressure Standoff Detection

PNTS proposes to develop a truly novel implementation of eye-safe terahertz (THz) spectroscopy that is unprecedented in the standoff detection regime for accuracy, low cost, and portability. PNTS has teamed with SC&A, Inc., and researchers from the University of Memphis to create a world class team of research and development personnel. We are proposing a continuous wave terahertz (THz-CW) spectroscopy system, employing high output THz-CW waveforms, coupled with a sensitive homodyne detection system that has a dynamic range approaching six orders of magnitude, and is significantly more sensitive than more common THz time domain spectrometry (THz-TDS) implementations. CW spectroscopy does not have the challenge inherent in THz-TDS implementations of requiring in-phase responses from the target; this permits CW systems to use optical and signal processing methodologies derived from longstanding research in astronomy and submillimeter wave radar to increase the field of view (FOV), to mitigate the effects of speckle and standing waves, and to detect diffuse reflection from off-normal target incidence. As part of their contribution, the University of Memphis (U of M) researchers will architect and manufacture an aplanatic imaging system for Phase I and merge it with a spatially selective mirror compressive sensing device for Phase II