[ Terahertz ]

Terahertz (THz) light is used for taking measurements below the surface and gathering information on the chemical composition and layer structure of materials.

Technology for insight

Measurement methods based on terahertz radiation (T-rays) enable 3D analysis of objects and can also determine various properties of composite materials in depth. Unlike X-rays, T-rays are not for harmful to living organisms and enable non-destructive material and quality control. CTR is involved in five specific areas.

• Terahertz spectroscopy: chemical composition of materials and substances
• Terahertz tomography: layer composition and thickness analysis of materials
• Terahertz imaging: spatially resolved detection of spectra and layer composition
• Terahertz amplitudes: intensity of reflection from terahertz radiation
• Industrial terahertz: solutions suitable for commercial applications in industry

Cross-sector opportunities for a technology

Terahertz technology opens up many different opportunities for applications. It can be used for accurate determination of the position of active ingredients in drugs, non-destructive inspection and quality control of foodstuffs and animal feed or characterisation of semiconductor and photovoltaic materials. Real time and evaluation algorithms suitable for industrial use also mean that product and process errors can be detected automatically.

CTR expertise

We have been researching deeply into the newly developed technology of terahertz and in addition to the time-domain imaging spectrometer have access to a wide range of other test equipment and laboratory facilities at the centre. CTR has also built a reputation as a system integrator with many years’ experience in many industries including recycling and medical technology and implements projects ranging from feasibility analyses to complete systems.