St rTiger |
Latest News | The Team | THz Imaging | Participants | Contacts |
A dramatic example of terahertz imaging is provided by
ESA. By observing microwave radiation it is possible to map the various
properties of the Earth's environment. The image below shows the sea surface
temperature as measured by the ATSR instrument on the
ERS
satellites.
ATSR - image of sea surface temperature, February 2002
Another dramatic example of terahertz imaging has been
provided by Qinetiq
who are pioneering the development of compact millimetre wave imaging systems.
The image below was produced with one of their systems and shows the interesting
properties of terahertz waves.
Image taken with a mm wave camera
click for animation (AVI,
293Kb), courtesy of Qinetiq
Terahertz imaging is fast being recognised as a powerful diagnostic technique.
Terahertz imaging can be achieved by observing the natural terahertz waves emitted by pretty much everything. Unlike light, terahertz waves are able to propagate through cloud and smoke providing a powerful advantage for certain remote sensing measurements. From a practical aspect they are also able to pass through windows, paper, clothing and in certain instances even walls.
There are many possible imaging applications for the
technology
will provide. If
successful, such an imaging array will represent a true breakthrough for
terahertz remote sensing from Space (one of ESA's primary interests) and will
have dramatic implications for the next generation of Astronomy and Remote
sensing systems.
The
imager will operate at frequencies of 250 and
300 GHz which should dramatically reduce the volume and mass of the imager. The
use of two frequencies provide a means for contrasting between materials with
different transmission and reflection properties, effectively creating two
colours. For remote sensing the detection of more than one frequency would allow
the simultaneous measurement of two atmospheric constituents
There are also likely to be commercial and technology off-shoots in the following sectors:
Medical
Chemical
Communication
Security
Aeronautics As terahertz waves are also able to penetrate the uppermost layers of skin making the early detection of skin cancers an exciting possibility. The unique properties of terahertz waves mean that there will undoubtedly be many other new applications; how many we just don't know as the technology simply isn't there... YET!