SBIR Phase II: A Novel Imaging Device for Infrared and Terahertz Radiation Beams Utilizing Thermochromic Liquid Crystal Materials

这个小型企业创新研究（SBIR）第二阶段研究项目将构建一个具有远红外到太赫兹波段宽带成像能力的探测器。电磁频谱的远红外（FIR）到太赫兹（THz）波段最近随着该区域中源的扩散而开放。然而，市场上可用于该光谱区域的检测器系统目前昂贵且不灵活。该研究的重点是研究一种特定的材料，该材料将入射THz辐射的热印记转换为可见的波长依赖特征，可由探测器和专用软件进行分析。一个扫描系统的基础上，这种探测器结合一个可调源将被设计用作安全/检查系统。这项研究将把这种探测器，能够成像宽光谱的FIR-THz辐射源，灵敏度比目前的技术更好，成本只有一小部分，到一个扫描系统，可以扫描小包裹，袋子和人，以识别危险材料或违禁品。随着研究人员和行业越来越多地利用电磁频谱的这一以前无法进入的部分，对更好的成像诊断工具的需求变得越来越重要。在实际应用（如医学）普及之前，需要一种更便宜、更灵敏的FIR-THz源成像探测器。这一特殊应用的实现将影响安全和非破坏性测试市场。

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project will construct a detector with the capabilities of broadband imaging in the far infrared to terahertz band. The far infrared (FIR) to terahertz (THz) band of the electromagnetic spectrum has recently opened up with the proliferation of sources in this regime. However, the detector systems available on the market for this spectral region are currently expensive and inflexible. The research is centered on the study of a specific material that will convert the thermal imprint of incoming THz radiation into a visible, wavelength dependent signature that is analyzable by a detector and specialized software. A scanning system based on this detector combined with a tunable source will be designed for use as a security/inspection system. The research will incorporate this detector, capable of imaging a wide spectrum of FIR-THz radiation sources with sensitivities better than current technologies at a fraction of the cost, into a scanner system that can scan small parcels, bags and humans to identify hazardous materials or contraband.As researchers and industries increasingly exploit this previously inaccessible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, the need for a better imaging diagnostic tool becomes ever more important. A less-expensive, more sensitive imaging detector of FIR-THz sources is necessary before real-world applications, such as in medicine, become widespread. The realization of this particular application will impact the security and non-destructive testing markets.