Adaptive terahertz imaging using a virtual transceiver and coherence weighting

Opt Express. 2009 Sep 28;17(20):17812-7. doi: 10.1364/OE.17.017812.

Abstract

We demonstrate an adaptive reconstruction technique to significantly improve the depth of focus and contrast of three-dimensional reflection-mode terahertz imaging. A laterally scanned virtual transceiver element records reflections from the object of interest. A synthetic aperture focusing technique maintains fine spatial resolution over a large image depth. Measuring the spatial coherence of the received signals across the transceiver aperture provides a non-iterative self-adaptive approach to significantly improve image contrast. Test images show a spatial resolution of 0.4 mm maintained over a 16 mm depth of field, and up to a 30 dB improvement in signal-to-noise ratio.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms*
  • Image Enhancement / methods*
  • Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional / methods*
  • Terahertz Imaging / methods*