Abstract
We report on the implementation of a confocal microscopy system based on a 2.9 THz quantum cascade laser source. Lateral and axial resolutions better than 70 μm and 400 μm, respectively, are achieved, with a large contrast enhancement compared to the non-confocal arrangement. The capability of resolving overlapping objects lying on different longitudinal planes is also clearly demonstrated.
Highlights
In the present thesis work, I focused instead on trying to transfer the principle of optical confocal microscopy to the THz, by implementing the first confocal imaging system based on a quantum cascade lasers (QCL), in this case emitting at ~ 3 THz
The waveguides were fully characterized in terms of propagation and coupling losses to QCLs in different configurations, proving that very low-loss modes can be efficiently excited, an interesting result for the future development of THz endoscopes
The definitive confocal setup was assembled and characterized in terms of lateral and axial resolution and several images of test objects were collected in order to show the excellent performance of the instrument realized
Summary
Terahertz confocal microscopy with a quantum cascade laser source The recent advances in generation, manipulation and detection of Terahertz (THz) radiation have been accompanied by a growing interest in the application of THz technologies to a wide range of fields spanning from imaging, remote sensing and security controls, to spectroscopy and biomedical science.
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