Real-time imaging using a 4.3-THz quantum cascade laser and a 320 x 240 microbolometer focal-plane array

We report the use of a similar to 50-mW peak power 4.3-THz quantum cascade laser (QCL) as an illumination source for real-time imaging with a 320 x 240 element room-temperature microbolometer focal-plane array detector. The QCL is modulated synchronously with the focal-plane array for differential imaging. Signal-to-noise ratios of similar to 340 are achieved at a 20-frame/s acquisition rate, and the optical noise equivalent power of the detector array at 4.3 THz is estimated to be similar to 320 pW/root Hz. Both reflection and transmission mode imaging are demonstrated.