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A TIRF Microscopy Technique for Real-time, Simultaneous Imaging of the TCR and its Associated Signaling Proteins
Published on: March 22, 2012
Real-time imaging using a 2.8 THz quantum cascade laser and uncooled infrared microbolometer camera.
Barry N Behnken1, Gamani Karunasiri, Danielle R Chamberlin
1Department of Physics, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA 93943, USA. bnbehnke@nps.edu
Optics Letters
|March 4, 2008
Summary
Real-time terahertz (THz) imaging uses a quantum cascade laser and specialized camera to differentiate materials. This technology shows promise for security screening applications by clearly distinguishing metals from plastics.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Optics
- Engineering
Background:
- Terahertz (THz) imaging offers unique material penetration capabilities.
- Real-time imaging in the THz range is challenging due to detector sensitivity and illumination requirements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate real-time terahertz imaging using a compact quantum cascade laser and a modified microbolometer camera.
- To assess the performance of the THz imaging system for differentiating materials.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a milliwatt-scale, 2.8 THz quantum cascade laser for illumination.
- Employed an uncooled, 160 x 120 pixel microbolometer camera with Picarin optics.
- Evaluated the noise equivalent temperature difference (NETD) and performed single-frame and video imaging of obscured objects.
Main Results:
- Achieved real-time THz imaging with high-contrast differentiation between metallic and plastic materials.
- Estimated camera NETD to be at least 3 K in the 1-5 THz range, necessitating external illumination.
- Observed fringe patterns due to diffraction but confirmed imaging viability.
Conclusions:
- The developed THz imaging system is viable for real-time, high-contrast material differentiation.
- The system shows potential for future security screening applications, particularly for detecting concealed items.
- Further optimization may be needed to mitigate diffraction effects for improved image clarity.
