Array detectors in the THz waveband based on antenna-coupled microbolometers
What is CEA-Leti's THz device?
Building on its thermal infrared bolometric technology, CEA-Leti developed smart detectors that enable THz real-time imaging in the most effective way, similar to visible-light digital cameras. CEA-Leti’s THz imaging technology is unique. It relies on a patented bolometer architecture in which optical collection is provided by crossed bow-tie antennas combined with a quarterwavelength dielectric cavity. THz waves collected by these antennas are then converted into heat and detected by a thermo-resistive layer derived from CEA-Leti and Lyrned's mature bolometer technology.
Applications:
THz radiation can translate into various commercial applications:
- Non-destructive testing for various industrial fields: food/agriculture, pharmaceutical products, semiconductors, automotive, etc.
- Defense and security: people screening, luggage control, etc.
- Remote spectral analysis in waste sorting or cultural-heritage diagnosis
- Biology and medicine—dermatology, biochips, etc.
Key advantages:
- Room temperature operation, compactness and video output
- Full compatibility with silicon technology manufacturing process
- Low-cost and high production yield
- Broadband spectral absorption
- Millimetric or submillimetric resolution
- May be customized with innovative pixel and array architecture: frequency range, polarization, etc.
Key figures :
- Large format: 320 x 240 pixels
- Pixel pitch: 50 μm
- Spectral range: 0.3 THz-4THz (optimized for 1-3 THz)
- NEP @2.5 THz: 20 pW
- Frame rate: 25 Hz
THz radiation:
Terahertz (THz) band loosely denotes the spectral region 0.3-10 THz (1 mm - 30 μm).
Electromagnetic waves in this band uniquely combine very interesting properties:
- Sees through matter: Penetration through non-polar materials such as fabric, ceramic, plastic, leather and cardboard
- Monitors water content: High sensitivity to polar molecules
- Identifies materials like chemicals, explosives, etc.
- Specific spectral signatures of many gases, liquids and solids
- Safer than X-ray: Low-energy, non-ionizing radiation
How do we work together?
