Material Characterization

Material characterization at terahertz.NRW focuses on terahertz technologies for precise penetration measurements of materials and volumetric bodies, using both reflective and transmissive geometries.

Imaging material characterization is a key research focus at terahertz.NRW, centered on electronic and photonic technologies in the THz frequencies range. The work of SFB MARIE has laid a strong foundation here. While reflective measurement methods focusing on surface effects have been dominant, we now emphasize transmissive geometries, compact systems, and algorithms for THz frequencies measurements of materials and bulk objects. This shifts from precise reflective imaging in SFB MARIE to a transmissive tomographic approach integrating semiconductor technology, photonics signal generation, and signal processing.

Transmissive tomography is already used in medical imaging (e.g., X-ray CT, MRI) and security (X-ray CT) and offers great potential for materials with internal structures. Unlike ionizing X-rays or ultrasound, THz radiation provides a non-ionizing, contactless alternative for spectrally resolved imaging with compact, integrated systems. Applications include imaging model plants to study microstructures, 3D material analysis (e.g., metamaterials), and innovative non-destructive testing methods, driving new research, applications, and spin-offs.

Research Topics

Material Characterization Methods

Integration for Image Resolution Improvement

Medical Technology & Environmental Monitoring

Industry & Security

The further development of methods for material analysis in the terahertz range concentrates on improving both reflective and transmissive techniques. A particular focus is on terahertz-based 3D imaging, which makes it possible to examine materials and solids with high precision and detail. These methods offer the possibility to gain deeper insights into the inner structures of materials and thus to characterize the quality and properties of materials in a completely new way.

The combination of reflective and transmissive measurement methods enables a significant improvement in image resolution and dynamic imaging. This integrative approach aims to optimize the resolution and depth of the image data by taking into account both surface and volume effects. This enables a more accurate analysis of material structures and a more precise representation of microscopic details, which is of great importance for the development of new technologies and applications.

Terahertz technologies offer new possibilities for microstructure imaging and material testing in medicine and environmental technology. The precise imaging of internal structures and microstructures of materials opens up innovative ways of investigating nutrient transport and biological processes, for example in model plants for indoor farming. Terahertz measurements can also be used in the field of environmental monitoring technologies to monitor materials and their conditions in natural and artificial systems without destroying the samples.

Terahertz technologies offer promising applications in industry and safety, particularly in the non-destructive testing of materials and safety inspections. By using terahertz radiation for quality control, faulty or damaged materials can be detected quickly and efficiently. Particularly in the security industry, for example when inspecting luggage or materials, terahertz technology offers a safe and non-ionizing method of detecting and examining hidden contents without damaging the objects to be inspected.