Terahertz Nonlinear Ghost Imaging via Plane Decomposition: Toward Near-Field Micro-Volumetry

Terahertz time-domain imaging targets the reconstruction of the full electromagnetic morphology of an object. In this spectral range, the near-field propagation strongly affects the information in the space-time domain in items with microscopic features. While this often represents a challenge, as the information needs to be disentangled to obtain high image fidelity, here, we show that such a phenomenon can enable three-dimensional microscopy. Specifically, we investigate the capability of the time-resolved nonlinear ghost imaging methodology to implement field-sensitive microvolumetry by plane decomposition. We leverage the temporally resolved, field-sensitive detection to refocus an image plane at an arbitrary distance from the source, which defines the near-field condition, and within a microscopic sample. Since space-time coupling rapidly evolves and diffuses within subwavelength length scales, our technique can separate and discriminate the information originating from different planes at different depths. Our approach is particularly suitable for objects with sparse micrometric details. Building upon this principle, we demonstrate complex, time-domain volumetry resolving internal object planes with subwavelength resolution, discussing the range of applicability of our technique.

Automated summary

Terahertz time-domain imaging aims to reconstruct the full electromagnetic morphology of an object. This method enables three-dimensional microscopy by implementing field-sensitive microvolumetry using time-resolved nonlinear ghost imaging. The technique can separate and discriminate information from different depths and planes, making it suitable for objects with sparse micrometric details.