Terahertz Polarization Imaging Based on the Continuous Wave Terahertz Radiations

Terahertz (THz) imaging is a hot topic in the current imaging technology. THz imaging has the advantage to penetrate most of non-metal and non-polar materials for the detection of concealed objects, while it is harmless to biological organism. Continuous wave terahertz (THz) imaging is enable to offer a safe and noninvasive imaging for the investigated objects. In this paper, THz real-time polarization imaging system is demonstrated based on the SIFIR-50 THz laser as a radiation source and a NEC Terahertz Imager as an array detector. The experimental system employs two wire grid polarizers to acquire the intensity images in four different directions. The polarization information of the measured object is obtained based on the Stokes-Mueller matrix. Imaging experiments on the currency with water mark and the hollowed-out metal ring have been done. Their polarization images are acquired and analyzed. The results show that the extracted polarization images include the valuable information which can effectively detect and recognize the different kinds of objects.