Terahertz 3D imaging
Advantest Corporation announced that it has successfully developed the world’s first terahertz (THz = 1012 Hz) wave imaging system, using Advantest’s original terahertz wave technology, for nondestructive three dimensional (3D) analysis and inspection. The system is the first product developed within the framework of Advantest’s New Concept Product Initiative, launched in March 2009, and is expected to form a cornerstone of the company’s new business strategy.
Straddling the border between radio and optical emissions, terahertz waves have frequencies ranging from a few tens GHz to 100 THz. These electromagnetic waves possess remarkable properties including absorption spectra (also known as fingerprint spectra) that enable them to penetrate visually opaque materials. In addition, their spatial resolution is suitable for practical spectroscopic imaging applications. However, basic techniques for THz generation, detection, and measurement, until recently, had not been developed for commercial use, hampering the exploration of practical applications for terahertz wave technology.
The Terahertz Wave 3D Imaging System integrates the company’s longstanding expertise in optical and electronic measurement with its newly developed, proprietary femtosecond fiber laser technology, as well as imaging technology developed by Advantest in collaboration with Dr. Kodo Kawase of Nagoya University. The system has nondestructive visual analysis of the spatial distribution, chemical identification, and quantification of constituents of the material under inspection, e.g. ceramics or plastics.
The Terahertz Wave 3D Imaging System integrates ultra-short pulse femtosecond fiber laser technology, high-speed measurement technology employing terahertz wave radiation, terahertz wave sensor technology for improved sensitivity, and 3D tomographic imaging technology to enable nondestructive 3D analysis of samples. In addition, it exploits the properties of terahertz waves, including their substance-intrinsic absorption spectrum and transparency, to enable probing and analysis of specific constituents of samples.
