Signal generation in reflective terahertz time-domain spectroscopy: application for trace explosives detection

The paper gives an overview on the different aspects in signal generation for reflective THz time domain spectroscopy. It is also demonstrated that the trace signature can be recovered even from a rough, inhomogeneous surface, and introduce models which can describe a number of substrate geometries. A thorough understanding of signal generation in THz time domain spectroscopy is the foundation for any application of this technology for trace explosives, or more general, chemical detection.