New Terahertz Detectors and Light Sources in Japan Could Open practical application of terahertz waves
Another reason why terahertz waves have not been developed is that they are difficult to detect. “Even if we develop a dream light source, the application of terahertz waves will not proceed without a user-friendly detector. Thus, we are striving to develop a broadband terahertz detector to accompany the dream light source.”
We are now developing a detector that can detect terahertz waves indirectly by detecting the light generated when terahertz waves enter the DAST crystal. We want to complete the set, a dream light source and detector, within several years. A table-top, compact terahertz system.
Terahertz Substance Fingerprint Database
Minamide believes that a ‘fingerprint spectrum’ is essential for the application of terahertz waves. Some substances may transmit incident terahertz waves, whereas others may absorb them. The frequency components that a substance absorbs are unique to the individual substance. Thus, individual substances could be identified by referring to a set of absorption spectra that indicates which substances absorb particular frequencies. Such an absorption spectrum is called a ‘fingerprint spectrum’ because it can be compared to the fingerprints used to identify individuals
