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Non-destructive material testing

Terahertz (THz) technology has great potential in the areas of non-destructive material testing, communication and security technology. A particularly powerful technique is the THz time domain spectroscopy, in which short THz pulses are coherently detected in amplitude and phase. The key components are efficient THz sources and low-noise detectors. We develop these components, in particular we offer large-area photoconductive emitters that allow one to conveniently produce strong THz waves upon pulsed near-infrared laser excitation.

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Terahertz Technology

Terahertz radiation lies on the electromagnetic spectrum between the long-wave radio and microwaves and the invisible infrared range.

The technology for the terahertz range uses concepts from high-frequency electronics as well as from optics. In the last 20 years there has been a significant further development in THz components such as radiation sources, detectors and modulators.

Large-area photoconductive radiation sources have been developed at the HZDR, which have a number of advantages such as:

  • High efficiency in the conversion of near-infrared power to THz power
  • Easy to use
  • Possibility of generating radiation with radial and azimuthal polarization in addition to the usual linear polarization. Radially polarized radiation is particularly suitable, for example, for transport using wire waveguides.
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Tera-SED
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Application areas

THz radiation is interesting in many ways because it penetrates optically opaque materials such as paper or plastics, but, unlike X-rays, does not have an ionizing effect and therefore does not pose any health risks. Using THz spectroscopy, different materials such as semiconductors or organic substances can be characterized and identified. THz technology is already being used more widely in security technology, for example in the form of body scanners at airports. A very promising area of application is non-destructive material testing, for example when checking composite materials. In addition, high-performance communication systems are developing towards higher carrier frequencies and thus reaching the terahertz range.

Learn more about Terahertz Technology

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What we offer

We have in-depth expertise on THz radiation sources and detectors as well as spectroscopic methods, which we provide as a consulting service.

We also offer various radiation sources for use with short-pulse laser sources that differ in their electrode geometry and area and can therefore be optimally adapted to the respective application. The large-area sources allow efficient use of the power of modern systems, which is not possible with standard antennas due to saturation effects.

LaTera mounts

THz-Emitter in Box

LaTera mounts

Application example Terased

THz radiotion source for the lab bench

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More Information

In the electromagnetic spectrum, terahertz radiation lies between the infrared range and microwaves. It offers new applications in materials research, medicine and other areas that have recently been intensively researched. With the TeraSED, researchers at the HZDR have developed an innovative, compact terahertz source.

Frequently asked Questions (FAQ):

1. What problem does Latera address?

Latera enables non-destructive, non-ionizing characterization of materials, particularly in cases where conventional optical or electrical techniques are limited—such as in electrically insulating, highly scattering, or optically opaque systems.

2. How does the technology work?

Terahertz radiation is generated via photoconductive effects: ultrafast laser pulses excite charge carriers in a semiconductor. Under an applied bias field, these carriers produce a transient photocurrent. The time derivative of this current emits broadband electromagnetic pulses in the THz frequency range.

3. What are the main advantages of the system?
  • Efficient generation of broadband THz radiation
  • Scalable active area enabling higher optical excitation energies
  • Flexible control of polarization through electrode design
  • Compatibility with established ultrafast optical systems
4. What applications is Latera suitable for?

The system is applicable in material characterization, non-destructive testing (NDT), semiconductor diagnostics, security screening, and research in THz physics and ultrafast phenomena.

5. Under what operating conditions does the system function?

Latera typically operates with femtosecond laser sources in the near-infrared (~800 nm), low bias voltages (<25 V), and covers a spectral range of approximately 0.2 to 3 THz.

6. Can Latera be integrated into existing experimental setups?

Yes. The planar and modular design allows straightforward integration into existing optical and THz time-domain spectroscopy systems, with options for application-specific customization of electrode geometry and active area.

Please click to get more information about materials for the helium management system.

Dr. Stephan Winnerl

Head of Spectroscopy

Latera(@)hzdri.de

 







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