A2 Planar-integrated phase sensitive THz-sensoren for coherent imaging

Project Leaders

Prof. Dr. Peter Haring-Bolivar, Prof. Dr. Max Lemme

Initial Situation

In the development of THz-detector technologies there is a basic differentiation between coherent and incoherent detectors. Incoherent detectors are based on the principle of energy- and power absorption, whereas coherent detectors include additional amplitude and phase information. Coherent detectors can be equipped with very high sensitivity and make 3D-imaging possible, whereas incoherent detectors can reach a very high bandwidth. In the first phase of the project, planar integrated THz detectors were developed which enable scaling to detector arrays.

Aims and Work Program

The aim of this partial project is the development and basic evaluation of planar integrated, coherent THz-detectors, as well as detector principles, which render a realization of compact phase resolution THz camera systems possible. This sensor development represents the basis for future coherent THz imaging modalities. This project-phase is to examine the heterodyne or interferometric usage of detector technologies, which were developed already in phase one, and the development of new hybrid solution approaches is to be researched.

Picture of the terahertz camera module with and without its housing.	Transmission-mode images at 1 THz of a badge and an envelope.