Initial test results for a real-time, 80 × 64 pixel, 600 GHz–1.2 THz imager

Abstract

The widespread adoption of THz based applications has been hindered by the lack of a real-time, broad-band, cost-effective THz camera with sufficient sensitivity to enable applications in markets as diverse as security, non-destructive evaluation, and biomedical imaging. This technological gap can be filled through the development of an 80 × 64 pixel array of Sb-heterostructure backward diodes (Sb-HBDs) monolithically integrated to broadband (600 GHz–1200 GHz) antennas that can be directly flip-chipped to a CMOS voltage-mode readout integrated circuit (ROIC). This paper outlines the current progress of the prototype device.