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We propose two terahertz reflectometry modalities that are optimized to be sensitive to the curvature of surface features. The first is a dark-field technique that allows the detection of protrusions and dents on surfaces with high sensitivity. It cannot distinguish, however, between convex and concave shapes. This becomes possible with the second technique, which combines out-of-focus imaging with suitable beam filtering. Both methods may be of interest for surface inspection in fabrication environments; for example, for online monitoring during metal processing.

We present an all-optoelectronic THz imaging system based on photomixing of two continuous-wave laser beams using photoconductive antennas. For a specific biological sample, we compare continuous-wave THz imaging and pulsed THz imaging at 1 THz with respect to data-acquisition time and signal-to-noise ratio, and discuss image formation from both amplitude and phase data. In addition, we introduce the application of hyperboloidal lenses which allow tighter focusing and a corresponding improvement in spatial resolution compared to off-axis paraboloidal mirrors.

We report terahertz emission experiments on low-temperature-grown GaAs photoconductive antennae. Two field-screening effects determine the device response: space-charge screening on a long time scale and radiation field screening of the local electric field. This latter effect is the principal cause for saturation of terahertz emission observed when the emitters are driven hard with high-repetition-rate femtosecond laser pulses. We present an equivalent-circuit model consisting of three elements: a resistor with time-dependent conductance (photoswitch), a time-dependent voltage source (space-charge screening), and the antenna impedance (terahertz emission and radiation field screening). The simulations with this voltage divider reproduce the measured data well.

The authors have developed a hybrid system for coherent raster-scan imaging at 0.6THz. It combines a high-power electronic source (a multiplied Gunn emitter) with a femtosecond Ti:sapphire laser in order to achieve a high dynamic range via electro-optic detection. The single-scan dynamic range of 60db at a lock-in time constant of 10ms is sufficient to permit detection of scattered terahertz radiation in addition to specularly reflected/transmitted light. Active synchronization of the electronic source and the laser is not needed because of the remarkably low jitter between the two radiation sources.