Fast terahertz reflective confocal scanning imaging with a quantum cascade laser and a photodetector

Abstract

For the terahertz imaging systems, the fast detection of terahertz light is deemed as a key technology. We present a fast terahertz reflective confocal scanning imaging system employing a fast terahertz quantum-well photodetector (QWP) and a fast rotating translational platform. The excellent performance of the terahertz QWP indicates that the device can rapidly detect the 4.3 THz radiation generated from a pulsed electrically pumped terahertz quantum cascade laser, which is used as the terahertz source of the imaging system. Two 200 μm pinholes are placed in the two focuses to filter out the scattered light and improve the resolution of the imaging system, we achieve a lateral resolution better than 110 μm and an axial resolution of about 320 μm. The terahertz two-dimension images of some objects are obtained within 5 s with a high contrast. The three-dimensional sections of the object demonstrate the great axial selectivity of the terahertz imaging system.