Abstract
Real-time imaging in the terahertz (THz) spectral range was achieved using a milliwatt-scale, quantum cascade laser and an uncooled, microbolometer camera modified with Picarin optics. Noise equivalent temperature difference of the camera in the frequency range was estimated to be at least , confirming the need for external THz illumination when imaging in this frequency regime. Despite the appearance of fringe patterns produced by multiple diffraction effects, single-frame and extended video imaging of obscured objects show high-contrast differentiation between metallic and plastic materials, supporting the viability of this imaging approach for use in future security screening applications.
© 2008 Optical Society of America
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