Terahertz-wave sources and imaging applications

An overview is given on the field of the terahertz-frequency electromagnetic waves, their properties and emerging applications. Some widespread sources with their advantages and drawbacks are presented; an emphasis is placed on the parametric generation sources that we build and use in our research. Several applications are then described: imaging techniques based on transmission, reflection and scattering, results in chemical imaging and electric field imaging, as well as linear scanning and the measurement of optical properties of highly-absorbing liquids.