Nondestructive terahertz shape restoration of 3D objects with photo-source-coupled ultrabroadband carbon nanotubes scanners

Expanding the available frequency region of the existing three-dimensional (3D) shape restoration technique in the visible light frequency band to the infrared (IR), terahertz (THz), millimeter wave regions enables us to clearly visualize not only conventional external shape information but also inner structures and material properties. Here we report on photo-source-coupled ultrabroadband scanners by using freely bendable thin carbon nanotube (CNT) films and successfully developed a reflective nondestructive 3D shape restoration method in the THz wave frequency region based on a mathematical algorithm. In addition to our novel 3D shape restoration approach of multi-layered hidden objects, various utilizations and applications on industrial sectors can be cultivated thanks to the broadband photo-absorbing property of CNT films.