Aspheric lenses for terahertz imaging
We present novel designs for aspheric lenses used in terahertz (THz) imaging . As different surfaces result in different beam shaping properties and in different losses from reflection and absorption, the resultant imaging resolution (i.e. the focal spot size) depends critically on the design approach. We evaluate the different lens designs using Kirchhoff’s scalar diffraction theory, and test the predictions experimentally. We also show that our lenses can achieve sub-wavelength resolution. While our lens designs are tested with THz radiation, the design considerations are applicable also to other regions of the electro-magnetic spectrum. 1. Developments in the terahertz (THz) region Over recent years there have been many new developments in the terahertz (THz) region . Techniques such as spectroscopy, package inspection, biological investigation etc advanced considerably. Most research is centered around high power emitters, quantum cascade lasers, and improving detection perfor