A Terahertz/Millimeter-Wave Based Detection and Imaging System Using Antenna-Coupled Microbolometer

Abstract

Abstract The Terahertz (THz) region lie in the range 0.1 THz to 10 THz. It can pass easily through fog, smoke, thin walls, and clothes and be focused as a light wave to create images of objects. Terahertz waves are applied in imaging technology, such as safety, navigation, and non-destructive evaluation (NDE) technique used for materials analysis. A microbolometer is a micromachined device to measure the inherent power of incident electromagnetic radiation. The resistance of bolometer is temperature-dependent, and it varies with changes in the temperature of the exposed surface. Bolometric detectors dominate the market due to their affordability and ease of manufacturing. Despite their slow response time, the systems are still actively employed in the research area, aiming at improved terahertz detection. The antenna and bolometer are coupled. The chosen antenna has a resonance at desired frequency leading to the development of fast response time bolometers without compromising the collection area of the bolometer. The system has low cost, easy fabrication, and better isolation. Antenna simulations were conducted to design and optimize the spiral antenna for 1 to 2.5 THz using HFSS (high-frequency structure simulator) simulation software. The antenna simulation results are presented and discussed.