Terahertz measurement technology as non-destructive testing method

Terahertz measurement technology is a technique that works with electromagnetic radiation at frequencies in the terahertz range. With terahertz technology materials such as plastics, ceramics, paper, fiber-reinforced composites or similar non-metallic materials can be examined for internal defects. In addition, terahertz radiation can be used to detect, identify and analyze organic substances, drugs, medicines or explosives.

The areas of application are in laboratory analysis, process measurement technology and safety engineering. Increasingly, terahertz systems are also being used in quality assurance, for example for non-destructive testing of coating thicknesses, plastic components or for coating thickness measurement of paintwork.

Terahertz radiation is the electromagnetic radiation in the frequency range between 0.1 and 10 THz and thus is capable  of penetrating matter that is opaque to visible and infrared light. It is low-energy and therefore not harmful to health.

Which are  the different terahertz  technologies?

• Time domain spectroscopy (TDS)
• Continuously emitting, purely electronic terahertz systems
• Continuously emitting, opto-electronic terahertz systems