Extreme terahertz sources and applications

频率在太赫兹（1太赫兹= 1000千兆赫）区域的光源最近因其在新的强大成像技术中的前景而受到广泛关注。这些太赫兹（THz）波，有时被称为“t射线”，比x射线的危害小得多，并且能够穿过各种材料，如衣服，纸张和塑料，使它们非常适合可能需要“隔离”检测隐藏武器的安全应用。此外，t射线技术允许通过光谱指纹识别材料，使远程检测化学爆炸物或生物制剂成为可能。然而，t射线成像技术仍处于起步阶段，仍然存在许多挑战。一个重要的研究方向是开发高强度太赫兹光源，以提高图像质量和光谱灵敏度。在这个战略项目中提出的研究将首先利用蒙特利尔附近的先进激光光源（ALLS）的激光系统开发一些世界上强度最高的太赫兹脉冲源。接下来，该项目将使用这些高强度太赫兹脉冲来显著增强t射线成像的能力，用于无损检测和安全应用。特别是，将开发单镜头技术，允许实时、全场t射线成像，具有特定部位光谱表征的潜力，并且将使用相衬成像（PCI）技术来提高图像对比度。该研究将由加拿大阿尔伯塔大学的研究团队合作进行，这些研究团队在太赫兹脉冲技术、激光光学和成像技术方面具有成熟的专业知识，他们分别来自加拿大国立科学研究所（Institut National de Recherche Scientifique, universituredu quacembec）、Novacam技术公司（蒙特利尔）和加拿大国防研究与发展公司（DRDC - Valcartier, quacembec）。拟议的研究将使以t射线为基础的新一代非侵入性成像技术和应用成为可能，并将有助于培训高素质人员，这肯定会对加拿大的全球竞争力，特别是在高科技部门的竞争力产生影响。

Light sources with frequencies in the terahertz (1 THz = 1000 GHz) region of the spectrum have received much attention recently for their promise in new and powerful imaging technologies. These terahertz (THz) waves, which are sometimes referred to as "T-rays", are much less harmful than X-rays and are able to pass through various materials such as clothing, paper, and plastics, making them ideally suited for security applications that may require "stand-off" detection of concealed weapons. Furthermore, T-ray technology allows materials to be identified through their spectroscopic fingerprint, making it possible to remotely detect chemical explosives or biological agents. However, T-ray imaging technology is still in its infancy, and many challenges remain. One important research direction has been in the development of high-intensity THz sources for improving image quality and spectroscopic sensitivity. The research proposed in this Strategic Project will first develop some of the highest intensity THz pulse sources in the world using the laser systems available at the Advanced Laser Light Source (ALLS) near Montreal. Next, the project will use these high-intensity THz pulses to significantly enhance the capabilities of T-ray imaging for use in both non-destructive testing and security applications. In particular, single-shot techniques will be developed that will allow real-time, full-field T-ray imaging with the potential for site-specific spectroscopic characterization, and phase-contrast imaging (PCI) techniques will be used to improve image contrast. The research will be performed by a collaboration of Canadian research teams with proven expertise in terahertz pulse techniques, laser optics, and imaging technology at the University of Alberta, INRS (Institut National de Recherche Scientifique, Université du Québec), Novacam Technologies Inc. (Montreal), and Defense Research and Development Canada (DRDC - Valcartier, Québec). The proposed research, which will enable a new generation of non-invasive imaging techniques and applications based on T-rays and will contribute to the training of highly qualified personnel, will certainly have an impact on Canada's global competitiveness, especially in the high-technology sector.