Single-pixel terahertz camera speeds measurement

A new approach to terahertz imaging, based on the concept of a single-pixel camera, promises an improved terahertz camera that will overcome disadvantages of the present imaging systems, while providing superior speed and high-detection ability. The hyperspectral information from terahertz spectroscopy can be used to determine the chemical composition of many polycrystalline solids, applications include investigation of pharmaceutical materials and plastic explosives. A terahartz imager should not require raster scanning of the object or the terahertz beam. One would like to preserve the superior detection sensitivity of single-point detectors such as photoconductive antennas. The rationale behind the high acquisition speed of the single-pixel terahertz camera is twofold. The principle behind applying compressed sensing to the design of imaging systems is analogous to a two-step image encoding/decoding process.