Optical system employing terahertz radiation

Radiant energy – Invisible radiant energy responsive electric signalling – Infrared responsive

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250330, 2503411, G01N 2117, G01N 2149

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active

057897506

ABSTRACT:
Optical system architectures with improved spatial resolution are provided in which the radiation useful for THz spectroscopy and other investigative procedures can be directionally coupled, in a highly efficient manner, into and out of photoconductive structures such, for example, as dipole antennas. An optical system constructed in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention comprises a source for emitting radiation in a range of frequencies within from 100 GHz to 20 THz, a coupling lens structure for coupling radiation emitted by said source into free space, at least one collimating optical element for collimating received coupled radiation into a beam having a substantially frequency independent diameter and substantially no wavefront curvature, and a detector for detecting the beam collimated by the at least one collimating optical element. In an optical system constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a modified substrate lens structure is used and the collimating optical element is replaced by at least one optical element that focuses received coupled radiation onto a diffraction limited focal spot on or within the medium under investigation.

REFERENCES:
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