Jean-Pascal Caumes

Three-dimensional terahertz computed tomography of human bones

Three-dimensional terahertz computed tomography has been used to investigate dried human bones such as a lumbar vertebra, a coxal bone, and a skull, with a direct comparison with standard radiography. In spite of lower spatial resolution compared with x-ray, terahertz imaging clearly discerns a compact bone from a spongy one, with strong terahertz absorption as shown by additional terahertz time-domain transmission spectroscopy.

Terahertz tomographic imaging of XVIIIth Dynasty Egyptian sealed pottery

A monochromatic millimeter-wave imaging system coupled with an infrared temperature sensor has been used to investigate historic objects preserved at the Museum of Aquitaine (France). In particular, two-dimensional and three-dimensional analyses have been performed in order to reveal the internal structure of nearly 3500-year-old sealed Egyptian jars.

Photothermal converters for quantitative 2D and 3D real-time TeraHertz imaging

Recent advances for the measurement of TeraHertz (THz) radiation by using original IR temperature flux sensors are presented. The bolometer principle is used for designing simple thermal converters for THz radiations (measurement of the temperature increase of a sensitive absorber). Most of these sensors are efficient, sensitive and fast enough for quantitative measurement of THz source power as well as for 2D and 3D THz imaging. By combining optical and thermal technologies, we extend and adapt the use of thermal sensors to large THz wavelength till 3 mm (0.1 THz). A large variety of mono- or arrayed- thermal sensors is used and optimized for real-time room temperature THz imaging using adapted IR focal-plane microbolometers array (FPMA) camera. Optimisation and adaptation of such FPMA is discussed and a new arrayed prototype device of THz-Thermal Converter, “TTC”, for full-field real-time THz imaging is presented. This small size, low cost and efficient prototype design is discussed from the thermal point of view and is characterized using a compact powerful THz source. Their sensitivity is evaluated and the obtained 2D and 3D images clearly illustrates the high potential of this new kind of THz camera. Finally, it is shown that non-arrayed extended plane TTCs (EMIR sensitive screens) coupled to FPA cameras produce THz images free of diffraction phenomena.

Absolute self-calibrated room-temperature terahertz powermeter

Coupling optical and thermal properties of a terahertz (THz) thermal converter based on the Seebeck effect provides an unsupplied room-temperature measuring device dedicated to THz power metrology. Performance characteristics such as broadband response (0-30 THz), high sensitivity (<25 μW·Hz(-0.5)), and the possibility to develop an internal absolute self-calibration estimated at 9.93 W·V(-1) are reported. Advantages and drawbacks of this THz powermeter are discussed.

A Continuous Millimeter-Wave Imaging Scanner for Art Conservation Science

A monochromatic continuous millimeter-wave imaging system coupled with an infrared temperature sensor has been used to investigate artistic objects such as painting artworks or antiquities preserved at the museum of Aquitaine. Especially, 2D and 3D analyses have been performed in order to reveal the internal structure of a nearly 3500-year-old sealed Egyptian jar.

Millimeter continuous wave imaging for non-destructive investigation of artistic materials

A monochromatic millimeter wave system coupled with an infrared temperature sensor has been used to investigate pictorial artworks. The flexibility of the system makes it possible to rapidly reveal buried layer information such as a graphite handmade sketch covered by paintings.