Real-time terahertz digital holography with a quantum cascade laser

Real-time millimeter wave holography with an arrayed detector

Millimeter and terahertz wave imaging has emerged as a powerful tool for applications such as security screening, biomedical imaging, and material analysis. However, intensity images alone are often insufficient for detecting variations in the dielectric constant of a sample, and extraction of material properties without additional phase information requires extensive prior knowledge of the sample. Digital holography provides a means for intensity-only detectors to reconstruct both amplitude and phase images. Here we utilize a commercially available source and detector array, both operating at room temperature, to perform digital holography in real-time for the first time in the mm-wave band (at 290 GHz). We compare the off-axis and phase-shifting approaches to digital holography and discuss their trade-offs and practical challenges in this regime. Owing to the low pixel count, we find phase-shifting holography to be the most practical and high fidelity approach for such commercial mm-wave cameras even under real-time operational requirements.

600-GHz Fourier imaging based on heterodyne detection at the 2nd sub-harmonic

Fourier imaging is an indirect imaging method which records the diffraction pattern of the object scene coherently in the focal plane of the imaging system and reconstructs the image using computational resources. The spatial resolution, which can be reached, depends on one hand on the wavelength of the radiation, but also on the capability to measure - in the focal plane - Fourier components with high spatial wave-vectors. This leads to a conflicting situation at THz frequencies, because choosing a shorter wavelength for better resolution usually comes at the cost of less radiation power, concomitant with a loss of dynamic range, which limits the detection of higher Fourier components. Here, aiming at maintaining a high dynamic range and limiting the system costs, we adopt heterodyne detection at the 2nd sub-harmonic, working with continuous-wave (CW) radiation for object illumination at 600 GHz and local-oscillator (LO) radiation at 300 GHz. The detector is a single-pixel broad-band Si CMOS TeraFET equipped with substrate lenses on both the front- and backside for separate in-coupling of the waves. The entire scene is illuminated by the object wave, and the Fourier spectrum is recorded by raster scanning of the single-detector unit through the focal plane. With only 56 µW of power of the 600-GHz radiation, a dynamic range of 60 dB is reached, sufficient to detect the entire accessible Fourier space spectrum in the test measurements. We present a detailed comparison between plane-to-plane imaging and Fourier imaging, and show that, with both, a lateral spatial resolution of better than 0.5 mm, at the diffraction limit, is reached.

Terahertz diffractive imaging with saturated data inpainting

Multiplane iterative phase retrieval is a promising approach to diffraction imaging, which accurately determines the topographic and internal characteristics of various objects. Nevertheless, the detection systems used often have a limited dynamic range, resulting in overexposure of recorded intensity distributions. In this Letter, we present a novel, to the best of our knowledge, reconstruction algorithm that inpaints saturated areas on the measured intensity datasets and reliably retrieves wave complex amplitude. The proposed technique can be used in various spectral ranges, while we have tested it in the terahertz frequency range, where the problem of sources and detectors is most acute. We show that retrieved amplitude and phase distributions have a quality comparable to that of the images reconstructed from the reference high dynamic range technique. Herewith, the proposed approach seriously simplifies the process of data acquisition, what expands the possibilities in the design of measurement tools and studies of dynamic scenes.

Chocolate inspection by means of phase-contrast imaging using multiple-plane terahertz phase retrieval

Terahertz (THz) radiation has shown enormous potential for non-destructive inspection in many contexts. Here, we present a method for imaging defects in chocolate bars that can be extended to many other materials. Our method requires only a continuous wave (CW) monochromatic source and detector at relatively low frequencies (280 GHz) corresponding to a relatively long wavelength of 1.1 mm. These components are used to construct a common-path configuration enabling the capturing of several images of THz radiation diffracted by the test object at different axial depths. The captured diffraction-rich images are used to constrain the associated phase retrieval problem enabling full access to the wave field, i.e., real amplitude and phase distributions. This allows full-field diffraction-limited phase-contrast imaging. Thus, we experimentally demonstrate the possibility of identifying contaminant particles with dimensions comparable to the wavelength.

Transport of intensity equation-based terahertz lensless full-field phase imaging

Terahertz (THz) phase imaging is widely spreading in various scenarios, among which full-field phase distributions are commonly retrieved by digital holography or ptychography. In this Letter, the transport of the intensity equation reconstruction method is applied into the THz band. An algorithm named the lensless US-transport of intensity equation (TIE) is proposed to accommodate to an in-line configuration. The object phase is retrieved by primarily conducting iterations between the axial intensity derivative and the phase distribution at the recording plane and subsequent backward diffraction propagation. This method is applicable to both isolated and extended weakly absorbing samples with higher reconstruction quality and remarkably less time cost than holographic phase retrieval algorithms. It can also be attempted in other non-interferometric geometries or using low-cost partially coherent THz sources, which significantly broaden the application scope of THz phase imaging.

Roadmap of Terahertz Imaging 2021

In this roadmap article, we have focused on the most recent advances in terahertz (THz) imaging with particular attention paid to the optimization and miniaturization of the THz imaging systems. Such systems entail enhanced functionality, reduced power consumption, and increased convenience, thus being geared toward the implementation of THz imaging systems in real operational conditions. The article will touch upon the advanced solid-state-based THz imaging systems, including room temperature THz sensors and arrays, as well as their on-chip integration with diffractive THz optical components. We will cover the current-state of compact room temperature THz emission sources, both optolectronic and electrically driven; particular emphasis is attributed to the beam-forming role in THz imaging, THz holography and spatial filtering, THz nano-imaging, and computational imaging. A number of advanced THz techniques, such as light-field THz imaging, homodyne spectroscopy, and phase sensitive spectrometry, THz modulated continuous wave imaging, room temperature THz frequency combs, and passive THz imaging, as well as the use of artificial intelligence in THz data processing and optics development, will be reviewed. This roadmap presents a structured snapshot of current advances in THz imaging as of 2021 and provides an opinion on contemporary scientific and technological challenges in this field, as well as extrapolations of possible further evolution in THz imaging.

Terahertz Spiral Spatial Filtering Imaging

In this paper, we propose a terahertz (THz) spiral spatial filtering (SSF) imaging method that can enable image contrast enhancement. The related theory includes three main steps: (1) the THz image of the target is Fourier transformed to the spatial spectrum distribution; (2) the spatial spectrum is modulated by a spiral phase at the Fourier plane; (3) the filtered spatial spectrum is inverse Fourier transformed to the desired THz image. Meanwhile, analytic expression of the final THz image is derived. Due to the unique nature of the spiral phase, THz image contrast enhancement can be achieved and verified by various simulated target images with different contrasts. In our designed THz SSF imaging system, Fourier transform is carried out by the lens, and the spiral phase is acquired by the spiral phase plate (SPP). Proof-of-principle experiments with three different types of targets (carved metal letters, a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) piece with a scratch, and a leaf) were carried out, and the effectiveness of contrast enhancement and edge extraction on the THz reconstruction images was validated.

Continuous-Wave THz Imaging for Biomedical Samples

In the past few decades, the applications of terahertz (THz) spectroscopy and imaging technology have seen significant developments in the fields of biology, medical diagnosis, food safety, and nondestructive testing. Label-free diagnosis of malignant tumours has been obtained and also achieved significant development in THz biomedical imaging. This review mainly presents the research status and prospects of several common continuous-wave (CW) THz medical imaging systems and applications of THz medical imaging in biological tissues. Here, we first introduce the properties of THz waves and how these properties play a role in biomedical imaging. Then, we analyse both the advantages and disadvantages of the CW THz imaging methods and the progress of these methods in THz biomedical imaging in recent ten years. Finally, we summarise the obstacles in the way of the application of THz bio-imaging application technology in clinical detection, which need to be investigated and overcome in the future.

Terahertz phase retrieval imaging in reflection

Terahertz phase retrieval is a promising technique able to assess the complex diffracted wave properties through an iterative processing algorithm. In this Letter, we demonstrate the implementation of this technique in reflection geometry with a continuous wave acquisition system working at 0.287 THz. To ensure a high signal-to-noise ratio in the measured dataset, we proposed a double parallel recording scheme with one detector and two lock-in amplifiers operating with the complimentary sensitivity setting. This provided a higher numerical aperture than conventional raster-scanning focal plane imaging. A specialized digital interferometric postprocessing procedure was applied to obtain a surface height map from the reconstructed phase distribution in the object's irradiated area.

Real-time terahertz imaging with a single-pixel detector

Terahertz (THz) radiation is poised to have an essential role in many imaging applications, from industrial inspections to medical diagnosis. However, commercialization is prevented by impractical and expensive THz instrumentation. Single-pixel cameras have emerged as alternatives to multi-pixel cameras due to reduced costs and superior durability. Here, by optimizing the modulation geometry and post-processing algorithms, we demonstrate the acquisition of a THz-video (32 × 32 pixels at 6 frames-per-second), shown in real-time, using a single-pixel fiber-coupled photoconductive THz detector. A laser diode with a digital micromirror device shining visible light onto silicon acts as the spatial THz modulator. We mathematically account for the temporal response of the system, reduce noise with a lock-in free carrier-wave modulation and realize quick, noise-robust image undersampling. Since our modifications do not impose intricate manufacturing, require long post-processing, nor sacrifice the time-resolving capabilities of THz-spectrometers, their greatest asset, this work has the potential to serve as a foundation for all future single-pixel THz imaging systems.

Terahertz imaging is promising in many applications, but still relies on complex equipment. Here, the authors develop a simplified solution that enables terahertz real-time imaging using a single-pixel detector and rapid reconstruction methods.

Highly efficient surface-emitting semiconductor lasers exploiting quasi-crystalline distributed feedback photonic patterns

Quasi-crystal distributed feedback lasers do not require any form of mirror cavity to amplify and extract radiation. Once implemented on the top surface of a semiconductor laser, a quasi-crystal pattern can be used to tune both the radiation feedback and the extraction of highly radiative and high-quality-factor optical modes that do not have a defined symmetric or anti-symmetric nature. Therefore, this methodology offers the possibility to achieve efficient emission, combined with tailored spectra and controlled beam divergence. Here, we apply this concept to a one-dimensional quantum cascade wire laser. By lithographically patterning a series of air slits with different widths, following the Octonacci sequence, on the top metal layer of a double-metal quantum cascade laser operating at THz frequencies, we can vary the emission from single-frequency-mode to multimode over a 530-GHz bandwidth, achieving a maximum peak optical power of 240 mW (190 mW) in multimode (single-frequency-mode) lasers, with record slope efficiencies for multimode surface-emitting disordered THz lasers up to ≈570 mW/A at 78 K and ≈720 mW/A at 20 K and wall-plug efficiencies of η ≈ 1%.

General method for complex-wave fields registration with high fidelity

In the field of optical imaging, the image registration method could be applied to realize a large field of view along with high resolution. The traditional image registration methods are mostly conceived for intensity images and might fail for complex-valued images. Especially, those methods do not account for the random phase offset associated with phase. In this paper, we proposed a general method for complex-wave field registration. A similar procedure has been proposed for the reconstruction of the ptychographic dataset, but here is modified for the registration of general wave fields. The method can efficiently separate the illumination and object function, refine the positions of each wavefront, and thus provide a stitched wide-field object wave with high fidelity. Simulation and experimental results applied to register the wave fields obtained from digital holographic microscopy are given to verify the feasibility of the method. This method would have potential applications in large-field high-resolution microscopy, adaptive imaging, remote sensing and the measurement of structured optical fields.

Resolution and contrast in terahertz pulse time-domain holographic reconstruction

Here, we present a comprehensive study of the reconstruction quality in terahertz (THz) pulse time-domain holography. We look into single wavelength reconstructions, as well as broadband recovery enabled by the ultrabroadband nature of radiation and coherent detection enabled by electro-optic or photoconductive sensing. We demonstrate the transverse resolution dependence for amplitude and phase objects on the solid angle of the inline recorded time-domain THz hologram, and then turn to the contrast of reconstructed binary amplitude objects, and further to longitudinal resolution of phase objects. We show that transverse resolution can reach values comparable to the wavelength of the radiation used, and longitudinally, phase objects can be resolved with even greater precision. We compare the obtained resolution with theoretical estimates and show that THz pulse time-domain holography is a powerful non-contact imaging tool.

THz coherent lensless imaging

Imaging with THz radiation has proved an important tool for both fundamental science and industrial use. Here we review a class of THz imaging implementations, named coherent lensless imaging, that reconstruct the coherent response of arbitrary samples with a minimized experimental setup based only on a coherent source and a camera. After discussing the appropriate sources and detectors to perform them, we detail the fundamental principles and implementations of THz digital holography and phase retrieval. These techniques owe a lot to imaging with different wavelengths, yet innovative concepts are also being developed in the THz range and are ready to be applied in other spectral ranges. This makes our review useful for both the THz and imaging communities, and we hope it will foster their interaction.

Iterative phase-retrieval-assisted off-axis terahertz digital holography

In terahertz digital holography, the off-axis configuration is the appropriate choice when the investigated object is non-sparse and complex. The limitation of recording distance in the off-axis configuration restricts the imaging quality. Either low-resolution or spectra overlap can potentially occur. We propose an iterative phase-retrieval approach to improve the quality of reconstruction results obtained from an off-axis hologram. One additional capture of object wave intensity is recorded to perform iterative phase retrieval with off-axis reconstruction as the initial guess. Apodization operation can be applied to the object wave intensity capture to suppress undesired border diffraction effects. The image quality using the proposed method has been improved both from simulation and experimental verification.

Visualization of internal structure and internal stress in visibly opaque objects using full-field phase-shifting terahertz digital holography

We construct a full-field phase-shifting terahertz digital holography (PS-THz-DH) system by use of a THz quantum cascade laser and an uncooled, 2D micro-bolometer array. The PS-THz-DH enables us to separate the necessary diffraction-order image from unnecessary diffraction-order images without the need for spatial Fourier filtering, leading to suppress the decrease of spatial resolution. 3D shape of a visibly opaque object is visualized with a sub-millimeter lateral resolution and a sub-µm axial resolution. Also, the digital focusing of amplitude image enables the visualization of internal structure with the millimeter-order axial selectivity. Furthermore, the internal stress distribution of an externally compressed object is visualized from the phase image. The demonstrated results imply a possibility for non-destructive inspection of visibly opaque non-metal materials.

3D-printable portable open-source platform for low-cost lens-less holographic cellular imaging

Digital holographic microscopy is an emerging, potentially low-cost alternative to conventional light microscopy for micro-object imaging on earth, underwater and in space. Immediate access to micron-scale objects however requires a well-balanced system design and sophisticated reconstruction algorithms, that are commercially available, however not accessible cost-efficiently. Here, we present an open-source implementation of a lens-less digital inline holographic microscope platform, based on off-the-shelf optical, electronic and mechanical components, costing less than $190. It employs a Blu-Ray semiconductor-laser-pickup or a light-emitting-diode, a pinhole, a 3D-printed housing consisting of 3 parts and a single-board portable computer and camera with an open-source implementation of the Fresnel-Kirchhoff routine. We demonstrate 1.55 μm spatial resolution by laser-pickup and 3.91 μm by the light-emitting-diode source. The housing and mechanical components are 3D printed. Both printer and reconstruction software source codes are open. The light-weight microscope allows to image label-free micro-spheres of 6.5 μm diameter, human red-blood-cells of about 8 μm diameter as well as fast-growing plant Nicotiana-tabacum-BY-2 suspension cells with 50 μm sizes. The imaging capability is validated by imaging-contrast quantification involving a standardized test target. The presented 3D-printable portable open-source platform represents a fully-open design, low-cost modular and versatile imaging-solution for use in high- and low-resource areas of the world.

Hyperspectral data denoising for terahertz pulse time-domain holography

We investigated data denoising in hyperspectral terahertz pulse time-domain holography. Using the block-matching algorithms adapted for spatio-temporal and spatio-spectral volumetric data we studied and optimized parameters of these algorithms to improve phase image reconstruction quality. We propose a sequential application of the two algorithms oriented on work in temporal and spectral domains. Experimental data demonstrate the improvement in the quality of the resultant time-domain images as well as phase images and object's relief. The simulation results are proved by comparison with the experimental ones.

Terahertz Spectroscopy and Imaging: A Cutting-Edge Method for Diagnosing Digestive Cancers

The Terahertz's wavelength is located between the microwave and the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Because it is non-ionizing and non-invasive, Terahertz (THz)-based detection represents a very attractive tool for repeated assessments, patient monitoring, and follow-up. Cancer acts as the second leading cause of death in many regions, and current predictions estimate a continuous increasing trend. Of all types of tumors, digestive cancers represent an important percentage and their incidence is expected to increase more rapidly than other tumor types due to unhealthy lifestyle habits. Because it can precisely differentiate between different types of molecules, depending on water content, the information obtained through THz-based scanning could have several uses in the management of cancer patients and, more importantly, in the early detection of different solid tumors. The purpose of this manuscript is to offer a comprehensive overview of current data available on THz-based detection for digestive cancers. It summarizes the characteristics of THz waves and their interaction with tissues and subsequently presents available THz-based technologies (THz spectroscopy, THz-tomography, and THZ-endoscope) and their potential for future clinical use. The third part of the review is focused on highlighting current in vitro and in vivo research progress in the field, for identifying specific digestive cancers known as oral, esophageal, gastric, colonic, hepatic, and pancreatic tumors.

Coherent imaging using laser feedback interferometry with pulsed-mode terahertz quantum cascade lasers

We report a coherent terahertz (THz) imaging system that utilises a quantum cascade laser (QCL) operating in pulsed-mode as both the source and detector. The realisation of a short-pulsed THz QCL feedback interferometer permits both high peak powers and improved thermal efficiency, which enables the cryogen-free operation of the system. In this work, we demonstrated pulsed-mode swept-frequency laser feedback interferometry experimentally. Our interferometric detection scheme not only permits the simultaneous creation of both amplitude and phase images, but inherently suppresses unwanted background radiation. We demonstrate that the proposed system utilising microsecond pulses has the potential to achieve 0.25 mega-pixel per second acquisition rates, paving the pathway to video frame rate THz imaging.

Sparsity-based continuous wave terahertz lens-free on-chip holography with sub-wavelength resolution

We demonstrate terahertz (THz) lens-free in-line holography on a chip in order to achieve 40 μm spatial resolution corresponding to ~0.7λ with a numerical aperture of ~0.87. We believe that this is the first time that sub-wavelength resolution in THz holography and the 40 μm resolution were both far better than what was already reported. The setup is based on a self-developed high-power continuous wave THz laser at 5.24 THz (λ = 57.25 μm) and a high-resolution microbolometer detector array (640 × 512 pixels) with a pitch of 17 μm. This on-chip in-line holography, however, suffers from the twin-image artifacts which obfuscate the reconstruction. To address this problem, we propose an iterative optimization framework, where the conventional object constraint and the L₁ sparsity constraint can be combined to efficiently reconstruct the complex amplitude distribution of the sample. Note that the proposed framework and the sparsity-based algorithm can be applied to holography in other wavebands without limitation of wavelength. We demonstrate the success of this sparsity-based on-chip holography by imaging biological samples (i.e., a dragonfly wing and a bauhinia leaf).

Probe position correction based on overlapped object wavefront cross-correlation for continuous-wave terahertz ptychography

Continuous-wave terahertz ptychography is a promising large field-of-view lensless terahertz phase imaging method. Inaccurate probe positions would severely degrade the reconstruction quality, as compared to other spectral bands. In this paper, we propose a probe position correction method based on cross-correlation registration on overlapped regions of the object wavefront for terahertz ptychography. The translation errors could be minimized in the order of 0.01 pixels. The simulation results suggest good computational efficiency, correction, and reconstruction accuracy. We perform continuous-wave terahertz ptychography on a cicada's forewing. The subcosta and the first radius vein are distinguished after position correction. The probe position distribution reveals that the tilt angle between the object plane and the recording plane is 0.26°.

Waveguided Approach for Difference Frequency Generation of Broadly-Tunable Continuous-Wave Terahertz Radiation

The 1–10 terahertz (THz) spectral window is emerging as a key region for plenty of applications, requiring not yet available continuous-wave room-temperature THz spectrometers with high spectral purity and ultra-broad tunability. In this regard, the spectral features of stabilized telecom sources can actually be transferred to the THz range by difference frequency generation, considering that the width of the accessible THz spectrum generally scales with the area involved in the nonlinear interaction. For this reason, in this paper we extensively discuss the role of Lithium Niobate (LN) channel-waveguides in the experimental accomplishment of a room-temperature continuous wave (CW) spectrometer, with μW-range power levels and a spectral coverage of up to 7.5 THz. To this purpose, and looking for further improvements, a thought characterization of specially-designed LN waveguides is presented, whilst discussing its nonlinear efficiency and its unprecedented capability to handle high optical power (107 W/cm2), on the basis of a three-wave-mixing theoretical model.

Video-rate terahertz digital holographic imaging system

Terahertz (THz) imaging has been demonstrated in numerous applications from medical to non-destructive evaluation (NDE), but current systems require expensive components, provide slow frame-rates and low resolutions. THz holography offers a potentially low-cost, high-performance alternative. Here we demonstrate the first full video-rate THz digital holography system at 2.52 THz (118.8 µm) using low-cost optical components. 2D digital reconstructions of samples are performed at frame-rates of 50 Hz - an order of magnitude higher than previous systems, whilst imaging of samples concealed in common packaging types demonstrates suitability for NDE applications. A lateral resolution of 250 µm was determined using a 1951 USAF target.

Twenty years of terahertz imaging [Invited]

The birth of terahertz imaging approximately coincides with the birth of the journal Optics Express. The 20^th anniversary of the journal is therefore an opportune moment to consider the state of progress in the field of terahertz imaging. This article discusses some of the compelling reasons that one may wish to form images in the THz range, in order to provide a perspective of how far the field has come since the early demonstrations of the mid-1990's. It then focuses on a few of the more prominent frontiers of current research, highlighting their impacts on both fundamental science and applications.

Topography of hidden objects using THz digital holography with multi-beam interferences

We present a method for the separation of the signal scattered from an object hidden behind a THz-transparent sample in the framework of THz digital holography in reflection. It combines three images of different interference patterns to retrieve the amplitude and phase distribution of the object beam. Comparison of simulated with experimental images obtained from a metallic resolution target behind a Teflon plate demonstrates that the interference patterns can be described in the simple form of three-beam interference. Holographic reconstructions after the application of the method show a considerable improvement compared to standard reconstructions exclusively based on Fourier transform phase retrieval.

Wide-aperture aspherical lens for high-resolution terahertz imaging

In this paper, we introduce wide-aperture aspherical lens for high-resolution terahertz (THz) imaging. The lens has been designed and analyzed by numerical methods of geometrical optics and electrodynamics. It has been made of high-density polyethylene by shaping at computer-controlled lathe and characterized using a continuous-wave THz imaging setup based on a backward-wave oscillator and Golay detector. The concept of image contrast has been implemented to estimate image quality. According to the experimental data, the lens allows resolving two points spaced at 0.95λ distance with a contrast of 15%. To highlight high resolution in the THz images, the wide-aperture lens has been employed for studying printed electronic circuit board containing sub-wavelength-scale elements. The observed results justify the high efficiency of the proposed lens design.

Resolution and quality enhancement in terahertz in-line holography by sub-pixel sampling with double-distance reconstruction

We demonstrate the enhancement of resolution and image quality in terahertz (THz) lens-free in-line digital holography by sub-pixel sampling with double-distance reconstruction. Multiple sub-pixel shifted low-resolution (LR) holograms recorded by a pyroelectric array detector (100 μm × 100 μm pixel pitch, 124 × 124 pixels) are aligned precisely to synthesize a high-resolution (HR) hologram. By this method, the lateral resolution is no more limited by the pixel pitch, and lateral resolution of 150 μm is obtained, which corresponds to 1.26λ with respect to the illuminating wavelength of 118.8 μm (2.52 THz). Compared with other published works, to date, this is the highest resolution in THz digital holography when considering the illuminating wavelength. In addition, to suppress the twin-image and zero-order artifacts, the complex amplitude distributions of both object and illuminaing background wave fields are reconstructed simultaneously. This is achieved by iterative phase retrieval between the double HR holograms and background images at two recording planes, which does not require any constraints on object plane or a priori knowledge of the sample.