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Object-dependent spatial resolution of the reflection-mode terahertz solid immersion microscopy
Optics Express
|March 27, 2021
Summary
Terahertz (THz) solid immersion microscopy achieves sub-wavelength spatial resolution (0.15-0.4λ) for diverse samples. This novel imaging technique reveals two distinct operational regimes based on sample refractive index, enhancing THz imaging capabilities.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Biomedical Imaging
- Terahertz Technology
Background:
- Terahertz (THz) solid immersion microscopy offers a promising approach to overcome the Abbe diffraction limit in imaging.
- Previous work demonstrated a reflection-mode THz solid immersion microscope with 0.15λ resolution for biological tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the object-dependent spatial resolution of THz solid immersion microscopy.
- To elucidate the underlying physical mechanisms governing resolution across various sample properties.
Main Methods:
- Numerical analysis using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) technique.
- Experimental validation using objects with distinct refractive indices and absorption coefficients.
Main Results:
- The THz solid immersion microscopy system consistently achieves sub-wavelength resolution (0.15-0.4λ) for a broad range of sample refractive indices (1.0-5.0) and absorption coefficients (0-400 cm⁻¹).
- Two distinct resolution regimes were identified: total internal reflection and ordinary reflection, dependent on the sample's refractive index.
Conclusions:
- The spatial resolution of THz solid immersion microscopy is object-dependent but remains sub-wavelength across a wide parameter space.
- The findings provide a general framework applicable to solid immersion lenses in other spectral ranges (visible, infrared).
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