Titanium-Based Microbolometers: Control of Spatial Profile of Terahertz Emission in Weak Power Sources

Abstract

Terahertz (THz) imaging and spectroscopy set-ups require fine optical alignment or precise control of spatial mode profile. We demonstrate universal, convenient and easy-to-use imaging—resonant and broadband antenna coupled ultrasensitive titanium-based—dedicated to accurately adjust and control spatial mode profiles without additional focusing optical components of weak power THz sources. Versatile operation of the devices is shown using different kinds of THz—electronic multiplier sources, optical THz mixer-based frequency domain and femtosecond optoelectronic THz time-domain spectrometers as well as optically pumped molecular THz laser. Features of the microbolometers within 0.15–0.6 THz range are exposed and discussed, their ability to detect spatial mode profiles beyond the antennas resonances, up to 2.52 THz, are explored. Polarization-sensitive mode control possibilities are examined in details. The suitability of the resonant antenna-coupled microbolometers to resolve low-absorbing objects at 0.3 THz is revealed via direct, dark field and phase contrast imaging techniques as well.

Keywords

• microbolometer
• terahertz sensing
• terahertz imaging systems
• dark field method
• phase contrast method