Sensing with terahertz radiation: a review of recent progress

Purpose This paper aims to provide a technical insight into a selection of recent developments and applications involving terahertz sensing technology. Design/methodology/approach Following an introduction, the first part of this paper considers a selection of research activities involving terahertz radiation sources and detectors. The second part seeks to illustrate how the technology is exerting a commercial impact and discusses a number of product developments and applications. Findings Terahertz sensing is a rapidly developing field and a strong body of research seeks to develop sources and detectors with enhanced features which often exploit novel materials, phenomena and technologies. Commercialisation is gathering pace, and a growing number of companies are producing terahertz sensing and imaging products which are finding a diversity of applications. Originality/value This provides details of recent research, product developments and applications involving terahertz sensing technology.