TST, Vol. 18, No. 1, PP. 1-26
(Invited paper) Application Advancement of Continuous-wave THz technology
Zhuangzhuang Fan, and Xinke Wang *
Beijing Key Laboratory of Metamaterials and Devices, Department of Physics, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, China
* Email: wxk82721@cnu.edu.cn
(Received March 2025)
Abstract: Terahertz (THz, 1 THz=1012 Hz) technology has been widely applied in multiple industrial fields based on characteristics of the THz radiation, including low photon energy, high transmission to nonpolar substances, broadband spectrum, and low scattering. Comparing to traditional optical methods, unique advantages of THz technology have been gradually recognized, including non-destructiveness, high resolution, high penetration to non-metallic materials, and high sensitivity. Comparing to a THz pulse system, continuous-wave THz (CW-THz) technology has a specific frequency, high stability, and simple system configuration. This paper partly reviewed application advancements of CW-THz technology in concealed object detection, non-destructive testing, medical imaging, and communications. The sources and detectors of CW-THz were briefly introduced. In addition, current technical challenges of CW-THz systems were also discussed. It could be envisioned that CW-THz technology was further commercialized in wider application fields through technological innovation, equipment optimization, and cost control. It would bring technical revolutions to industry, medicine, communications, and astronomical observation.
Keywords: Terahertz, Continuous-wave, Concealed Object Detection, Non-destructive Testing, Medical imaging, Communications.
doi:
View Full Text: PDF
