Improved sample characterization in terahertz reflection imaging and spectroscopy.

For imaging applications involving biological subjects, the strong attenuation of terahertz radiation by water means that terahertz pulsed imaging is most likely to be successfully implemented in a reflection geometry. Many terahertz reflection geometry systems have a window onto which the sample is placed - this window may introduce unwanted reflections which interfere with the reflection of interest from the sample. In this paper we derive a new approach to account for the effects of these reflections and illustrate its success with improved calculations of sample optical properties.

Terahertz image processing methods for biomedical applications.

Terahertz imaging is in its early stages of development. Due to the sensitivity of terahertz radiation to biomolecules, several potential medical applications are being investigated. In this paper we present examples of our latest measurements of biological samples and explain how we extract frequency domain and time domain information from image data to probe sample structure and composition.