Real-time, continuous-wave terahertz imaging by use of a microbolometer focal-plane array

Real-time, continuous-wave terahertz imaging is demonstrated with a 10 mW, 2.52 THz (118.8 mu m) far-infrared gas laser and a 160 X 120 element microbolometer camera. The microbolometer camera is designed for wavelengths of 7.5 - 14 mu m but retains sensitivity at terahertz (THz) frequencies. The setup has no moving parts, and transmission-mode THz images can be obtained at the video rate of 60 frames/s. The peak signal-to-noise ratio is estimated to be 13 dB for a single frame of video, acquired in 16 ms. With this setup, THz imaging through a FedEx envelope is demonstrated, showing the feasibility of real-time mail screening. (c) 2005 Optical Society of America.