Study on a Sparse Antenna Array for Terahertz Imaging

This paper presents our study on a sparse antenna array for 0.22 THz imaging. Based on the effective aperture concept for the design of sparse antenna array, two schemes for high performance THz imaging of a target at distance of 1 m have been achieved in simulation. Then, different schemes of larger array element spacing and mechanical scanning spacing have been investigated to build the relationship between their configurations and imaging performance. Based on the study, it is predicted theoretically and from the reconstructed images that only 16 transmitting and 16 receiving antennas will be sufficient to scan a 2.0 m * 0.8 m target. And the spatial resolution of 4.44 mm at 5 m is potentially achieved. Therefore, this study will provide a valuable guideline for the following sparse array design in a high performance THz imaging system.