Similar to x-ray images, terahertz wavelengths penetrate through most materials and can easily reveal imperfections such as voids, cracks, and density variations. Terahertz offers some advantages over x-ray including that the radiation is non-ionizing and thus is completely safe. Example imaging applications include flaw detection in the sprayed-on-foam-insulation (SOFI) for the space shuttle program, detection of threat objects in checked airline baggage and stand-off detection of threat objects in packages or on people.

Time-domain pulsed terahertz energy sources contain broadband frequency content. Thus, spectroscopic determinations (fingerprints) are possible allowing the identification of objects of interest (e.g., explosives, biological agents). Using spectroscopic analysis results to generate images is an especially powerful application of terahertz. Astronomy studies have used terahertz spectroscopy for a number of years.

Advances in terahertz spectroscopic analysis includes innovations in the following areas:

The energies of terahertz photons allow the probing and study of low energy transitions (molecular rotations, protein folding, phonons in solid state materials, electrical circuit characteristics).

The T‑Gauge® Control Unit (TCU) is the central component of the T‑Gauge® family of products and serves as the source of the optical and electrical signals necessary to generate and detect terahertz. The TCU also transforms analog data into a digital signal that can be analyzed using the onboard processor and interacts with the wide variety of THz accessories.

The TCU is a 19 inch (483 mm) rack, wall, or table mountable instrument, consisting of an ultrafast laser, high-speed optical delay, ranging optical delay, power supplies, and signal conditioning electronics, with connectors for convenient interfacing to various optical and electronic components. The high-speed delay included in the TCU can be chosen from a number of delay length and speed options. When utilized in conjunction with T-Gauge® accessories, the TCU enables the user to generate and detect pulsed terahertz energy for a wide variety of measurements.

The T-Ray® 5000 product family allows state of the art terahertz research to be performed quickly and easily. The modular construction and patented fiber-coupling of the T-Ray® 5000 allow experiments to be rearranged to perform a large number of experiments.

Measurement performance:

The Saf-T-Chek Anomaly Detection System (ADS) is designed for use by domestic or international governments and businesses for security screening of personnel. The Saf-T-Chek ADS® is primarily for detection of anomalous items in the head-region concealed by religious headgear, wigs, hats, caps or scarves. It will allow a security officer to provide targeted screening of personnel with minimal equipment footprint, exceptional ease of use, and light enough to be portable.

The Saf-T-Chek ADS® is a product platform that can potentially be expanded to include other parts of the body reducing the need for privacy invading imaging or pat-downs.

The Saf-T-Chek ADS® performs detection not tied to producing an image or image interpretation. The unit emits a low power beam of thermal energy making it completely safe. The temperature of the person or their surroundings has no effect on the detection. Audible, visible and vibration signals indicate alarms. A measurement quality indicator exists to assist in making a good examination of a location and to help with targeting anomalies.

The handheld sensor provides all of the feedback required to easily locate hidden items. The Saf-T-Chek ADS® is designed and manufactured in the USA to Luna’s quality management system standards.

Saf-T-Chek ADS® operational modes: