Super resolution and optical properties of THz double row array based on inexpensive Glow Discharge Detector (GDD) pixels

The properties of terahertz (THz) radiation are well known. They penetrate well most non-conducting media; there are no known biological hazards, and atmospheric attenuation and scattering is lower than visual and IR radiation. Thus THz imaging is very attractive for homeland security, biological, space, and industrial applications Recently we have found experimentally that inexpensive miniature neon indicator lamp Glow Discharge Detectors (GDD) can be used as THz detectors. Based on the GDD we designed, constructed, and experimentally tested an 8×8 GDD array. In order to improve the performance and the resolution of the THz images a larger array is required. In this work we use a special double row 2×18 moving array detector. The 2×18 GDD array enables us to employ scanning method in order to obtain 36×36 pixel THz images. Furthermore, using this double row array it will be possible to employ super resolution methods. Optical properties such as optical transfer function and measurement of point spread function are presented, as well as first results for the 2×18 GDD array.

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