A fast terahertz imaging: Method, simulation, and experiment

Based on terahertz time domain spectroscopy system (THz-TDSS), a fast spectral imaging method is proposed. Objects are placed in parallel terahertz beam, so several pixels' information is recorded in one time domain signal. In order to separate every pixel's information, a two-dimensional echelon as a time delay element is used. We confirm with both simulation and experiment that only one terahertz time domain spectrum is needed to image the object. Experimental results demonstrate the advantages of the method - not only obtain THz images but also retain spectral information which reflects objects characteristic. The method is hopefully used in real-time imaging.