Review of the characteristics of 384x288 pixel THz camera for see-through imaging

Abstract

Terahertz is a field in constant expansion. Multiple applications are foreseen including see-through imaging. To develop deployable systems, real-time two-dimensional cameras are needed rather than monopixel detectors or linear arrays that require mechanical scanning systems. INO has recently developed a real-time (video rate) 384x288 THz camera exhibiting excellent sensitivity and low noise levels. The core of the THz imager is the 35 μm pitch detector array that is based on INO’s uncooled VOx microbolometer technology and fabricated in INO’s clean room. A standard ceramic package is used for final packaging. The detector FPA is finally sealed with a high resistivity float zone silicon (HRFZ-Si) window having an anti-reflective coating consisting of thick Parylene, which the thickness of which depends on the required optimization wavelength. The FPA is mounted on an INO IRXCAM core giving a passive THz camera assembly. The additional THz objective consists of a refractive 44 mm focal length F/1 THz lens. In this paper, a review of the characteristics of the THz camera at is performed. The sensitivity of the camera at various THz wavelengths is presented along with examples of the resolution obtained with the IRXCAM-384-THz camera core. See-through imaging results are also presented.