Solid immersion terahertz imaging with sub-wavelength resolution

Abstract

We have developed a method of solid immersion THz imaging—a non-contact technique employing the THz beam focused into evanescent-field volume and allowing strong reduction in the dimensions of THz caustic. We have combined numerical simulations and experimental studies to demonstrate a sub-wavelength 0.35λ0-resolution of the solid immersion THz imaging system compared to 0.85λ0-resolution of a standard imaging system, employing only an aspherical singlet. We have discussed the prospective of using the developed technique in various branches of THz science and technology, namely, for THz measurements of solid-state materials featuring sub-wavelength variations of physical properties, for highly accurate mapping of healthy and pathological tissues in THz medical diagnosis, for detection of sub-wavelength defects in THz non-destructive sensing, and for enhancement of THz nonlinear effects.