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Terahertz Quantum Cascade Laser Based 3D Imaging

Award Information
Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Branch: N/A
Contract: NNX11CC66C
Agency Tracking Number: 090113
Amount: $750,000.00
Phase: Phase II
Program: STTR
Solicitation Topic Code: T7.01
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2009
Award Year: 2011
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2011-06-20
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2014-06-19
Small Business Information
MA
Boston, MA 02129-2520
United States
DUNS: 831746628
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Alan Lee
 Principal Investigator
 (310) 845-6276
 awmlee@longwavephotonics.com
Business Contact
 Alan Lee
Title: President
Phone: (310) 845-6276
Email: awmlee@longwavephotonics.com
Research Institution
 Massachusetts Institute of Technology
 Michael Corcoran
 
77 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139-02139
United States

 () -
 Domestic Nonprofit Research Organization
Abstract

LongWave Photonics proposes a terahertz quantum-cascade laser based swept-source optical coherence tomography (THz SS-OCT) system for single-sided, 3D, nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of non-conductive materials. The THz SS-OCT system uses a frequency tunable QCL array to generate an interferometric signal between a reference mirror, and a sample. An algorithm is used to transform this signal into depth information of the interfaces within the sample. Phase I demonstrated the feasibility of measuring the interfaces of a dielectric on metal sample. In Phase II, we propose to demonstrate a complete scanning system for 3D imaging by upgrading the optics and mechanics. Improvements in the power levels and frequency bandwidth of the QCL source are expected to greatly improve the depth resolution and signal to noise ratio of the system. The milliwatt power levels of the QCL are expected to result in fast scan speeds. Operation of the SS-OCT system is expected to be relatively simple as the QCL is an electrically pumped, solid state source of terahertz radiation, capable of operation in a compact, high reliability crycooler as demonstrated in Phase I.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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