CMOS detector arrays in a virtual 10-kilopixel camera for coherent terahertz real-time imaging

Opt Lett. 2012 Feb 15;37(4):536-8. doi: 10.1364/OL.37.000536.

Abstract

We demonstrate the principle applicability of antenna-coupled complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) field-effect transistor arrays as cameras for real-time coherent imaging at 591.4 GHz. By scanning a few detectors across the image plane, we synthesize a focal-plane array of 100×100 pixels with an active area of 20×20 mm2, which is applied to imaging in transmission and reflection geometries. Individual detector pixels exhibit a voltage conversion loss of 24 dB and a noise figure of 41 dB for 16 μW of the local oscillator (LO) drive. For object illumination, we use a radio-frequency (RF) source with 432 μW at 590 GHz. Coherent detection is realized by quasioptical superposition of the image and the LO beam with 247 μW. At an effective frame rate of 17 Hz, we achieve a maximum dynamic range of 30 dB in the center of the image and more than 20 dB within a disk of 18 mm diameter. The system has been used for surface reconstruction resolving a height difference in the μm range.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Computer Simulation
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods
  • Metals
  • Oxides
  • Semiconductors
  • Terahertz Imaging / instrumentation*
  • Terahertz Imaging / methods
  • Terahertz Radiation*

Substances

  • Metals
  • Oxides