Research Summaries

Back High Sensitive THz Camera for Applications in Space Situation Awareness

Fiscal Year 2011
Division Graduate School of Engineering & Applied Science
Department Physics
Investigator(s) Karunasiri, Gamani
Grbovic, Dragoslav
Sponsor National Reconnaissance Office (DoD)
Summary The detection of colder objects in the space environment requires the use of sensors operating in longer wavelengths (30 to 300 um) than that used in conventional infrared bands; these objects can include debris, "or intentionally quiescent man made satellites. The terahertz region of the electromagnetic spectrum (1 to 10 THz) covers these wavelengths and is highly suitable for sensing in this spectral band. This region of the spectrum has not been fully utilized due to the lack of highly sensitive detectors. Recently, we have successfully demonstrated real time imaging at THz frequencies using an uncooled microbolometer camera which was designed for infrared wavelengths. The major advantages of this technology for space applications are low power consumption and light weight in addition to the low cost. The aim of the proposed research is to develop THz optimized highly sensitive real time THz imaging system using micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) based bi-material focal plane array technology. The successful conclusion of the research project will lead to a highly sensitive light weight THz camera for applications involving space situations awareness.
Keywords
Publications Publications, theses (not shown) and data repositories will be added to the portal record when information is available in FAIRS and brought back to the portal
Data Publications, theses (not shown) and data repositories will be added to the portal record when information is available in FAIRS and brought back to the portal