Terahertz Wave Imaging System Based on Glow Discharge Detector

Abstract

In the last several decades, glow discharge detectors (GDD) have been utilized to detect microwave radiation. Recently, these detectors were used to study higher frequencies within the terahertz (THz) band of the electromagnetic spectrum. Commercial neon lamps can act as GDDs, and their performance at 0.2 THz was investigated. A THz continuous-wave imaging system with the GDD was constructed and the images obtained by the GDD and a Schottky diode were compared. The experimental results indicate that an optimally designed GDD will be an efficient, fast, and inexpensive detector for THz imaging systems.