Jörg Beckmann

Handheld Terahertz Spectrometer for the Detection of Liquid Explosives

We present a handheld fiber-coupled terahertz spectrometer operating at a center wavelength of 1550 nm. The key elements are a fs-fiber laser, a fiber stretcher delay line and fiber-coupled antennas, which contain novel InAlAs-InGaAs multi layer chips. First experimental data obtained with this system demonstrates its great potential and robustness. In addition, we investigate different hazardous and harmless liquids in reflection geometry. These experiments show that liquids are in principle distinguishable by terahertz spectroscopy. Finally, first steps towards an algorithm that allows for an extraction of the liquids dielectric properties are discussed. The algorithm works for the analysis of reflection data even if the liquid is located inside a container.

Optical Constants of Harmful and Highly Energetic Liquids for Application to THz Screening Systems

The far-infrared (IR) optical constants of a set of hazardous and flammable liquids have been obtained by means of spectroscopic ellipsometry in attenuated total reflection configuration over a broad spectral range. Such liquids recently became of considerable concern for transportation security measures worldwide. Their optical identification at check-in gates can only become possible if the characteristic spectra are already known. The refractive indices and the extinction coefficients reported here contribute to a spectroscopic data base in the far-IR and terahertz (THz) spectral regions and may support modeling the performance of THz screening systems on liquids for airports and other security sensitive areas. Examples of several container material/liquid systems are discussed. From the measured optical constants typical THz waveforms are calculated and discussed.

Terahertz Time Domain Spectroscopy for Non-Destructive Testing of Hazardous Liquids

Abstract Hazardous liquids, liquid explosives and flammable liquids are characterized by means of terahertz time domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) in analogy to existing non-destructive testing (NDT) strategies. Various polar liquids (alcohols, acetone, hydrogen peroxide, nitro methane) and non-polar aircraft and automobile fuels as well as organic solvents are characterized in the practically relevant, non-contact and non-destructive reflection geometry in the time domain. Absorption coefficients and indices of refraction of a representative set of these liquids are investigated in the spectral range between 0.1 THz and 1.1 THz in transmission configuration by two different set-ups either suitable for strongly or weakly absorbing liquids.

Discoloration Effects of High-Dose γ-Irradiation and Long-Term Thermal Aging of (U)HMW-PE

Two polyethylene types with ultra-high (UHMW-PE) and high molecular weight (HMW-PE) used as neutron radiation shielding materials in casks for radioactive waste were irradiated with doses up to 600 kGy using a 60Co gamma source. Subsequently, thermal aging at 125°C was applied for up to one year. Degradation effects in the materials were characterized using colorimetry, UV-Vis spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, and DSC. Both materials exhibited a yellowing upon irradiation. The discoloration of UHMW-PE disappeared again after thermal aging. Therefore, the yellowing is assumed to originate from annealable color centers in the form of free radicals that are trapped in the crystalline regions of the polymer and recombine at elevated temperatures. For the antioxidant-containing HMW-PE, yellowing was observed after both irradiation and thermal aging. The color change was correlated mainly to decomposition products of the antioxidant in addition to trapped radicals as in UHMW-PE. Additionally, black spots appeared after thermal aging of HMW-PE.

Terahertz-Wellen: Radiographie ohne Strahlengefährdung

Kurzfassung Mit dem Einsatz von Terahertz-Wellen eröffnen sich gegenüber Röntgenstrahlung neuartige Möglichkeiten der Radiologie. Von der dielektrischen Materialcharakterisierung nicht metallischer Werkstoffe bis zur Detektion des Innenlebens von unkonventionellen Spreng- und Brandvorrichtungen (USBV) wird ein großes Anwendungsspektrum für die bildgebende zerstörungsfreie Prüfung abgedeckt. Die physiologische Unbedenklichkeit der Strahlung favorisiert sie auch für Personenkontrollen an Flughäfen. Das Prinzip eines modernen zeitauflösenden Terahertz-Spektrometers mit einer Ortsauflösung bis 0,3 mm und einem Frequenzbereich von 0,1 bis 2,2 THz wird erläutert sowie die Wechselwirkung mit Materie. Die Besonderheiten von THz-Topogrammen werden am Beispiel einer Briefbombenattrappe mit Röntgen-Radiogrammen verglichen.

Bestimmung der elastischen Eigenschaften von Festkörpern — Teil 1: Vergleichende Bewertung verschiedener Versuchsmethoden

Kurzfassung Für die Berücksichtigung mechanischer Belastungen unterhalb der Streckgrenze ist im Rahmen einer zuverlässigen Bauteilauslegung die Kenntnis der elastischen Konstanten von besonderer Bedeutung. Für die experimentelle Bestimmung des Elastizitätsmoduls wurde eine Vielzahl von Verfahren entwickelt, die zum Teil werkstoffspezifisch Eingang in die Normung gefunden haben. Prinzipiell können diese Verfahren in zwei Gruppen unterteilt werden: die statischen und die dynamischen Prüfverfahren. Die statischen Verfahren beruhen auf der direkten Messung des Spannungs-Dehnungs-Zusammenhangs während einer mechanischen Belastung im elastischen Verformungsbereich (Zug, Biegung, Druck). Die dynamischen Verfahren basieren auf der Schwingungsanregung eines Prüfkörpers und der Analyse der resultierenden Schwingungen (Resonanzmethode oder Impulsanregungsmethode) oder auf der Messung der Ultraschallausbreitungsgeschwindigkeit. Stellvertretend für die dynamischen Verfahren wird im ersten Teil dieses Beitrages die Resonanzmethode vorgestellt. Der zweite Teil dieses Beitrages fasst die werkstoffabhängigen Ergebnisse der E-Modulbestimmung mit statischen Verfahren im Zug- und Biegeversuch zusammen.

THz – ToF optical layer analysis (OLA) to determine optical properties of dielectric materials

Electromagnetic waves with frequencies between 0.1 and 10 THz are described as THz-radiation (T-ray). The ability to penetrate dielectric materials makes T-rays attractive to reveal discontinuities in polymer and ceramic materials. THz-Time Domain Spectroscopy Systems (THz-TDS) are available on the market today which operates with THz-pulses transmitted and received by optically pumped semiconductor antennas. In THz-TDS the travelling time (ToF) and shape of the pulse is changed if it interacts with the dielectric material and its inherent discontinuities. A tomogram of the object under the test can be reconstructed from time of flight diffraction (ToFD) scans if a synthetic focusing aperture (SAFT) algorithm is applied. The knowledge of the base materials shape and optical properties is essential for a proper reconstruction result. To obtain these properties a model is assumed which describes the device under the test as multilayer structure composed of thin layers with different dielectric characteristi...

Spectral and spatial nondestructive examination of dielectric materials with THz time domain spectroscopy

A time domain spectrometer T-ray 2000® operating in the range of 0.2-2 THz was used for Time of Flight measurements. A series of ethanol water mixtures from 10% to 90% were produced subsequently filled in polystyrene cells and analyzed in the T-ray 2000 TDS system in the reflection mode. The reflectivity of the material liquid interface is strongly influenced by the ethanol concentration in water. The reciprocal reflection coefficient of the material liquid interface was found to be a useful discriminating feature for further Probably of Detection calculations which can be used for the performance evaluation of potential THz bottle scanners. THz pulse echo (PE) measurements were performed in comparison to the established ultra sound PE technique for flaw detection of plastics. Synthetic aperture reconstructions were applied for simulated data to reconstruct the flaw shape. The results were compared with B-scan images of a high density polyethylene (HDPE) test cylinder. Existing restrictions on the quality...

TIME OF FLIGHT DIFFRACTION (ToFD) WITH THz RADIATION—AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE ULTRA SOUND—ToFD TECHNIQE FOR NON‐METALLIC MATERIALS

A time domain spectrometer in the range of 0.5–2 THz was used for time of flight (ToF) measurements of THz pulses for imperfection detection in non metallic materials. The measurements were performed in comparison to the established ultra sound pulse echo (PE) and time of flight diffraction (ToFD) technique. No coupling agent and no contact to the surface is required for THz ToFD measurements. Plastic test specimen with notches, voids and drilled side holes were used to study reflected and diffracted response signals. No major differences were observed between the UT and THz ToFD records for the first surface of the notches, voids and holes. Additionally to the UT records also signals were obtained from its back side and a second raw of holes. The THz measurement is fast and has the potential to substitute UT applications in some industrial areas. Within the German project “Handheld” the potential for miniaturization of the time domain equipment is explored for efficient application.

THz spectroscopy to derive the optical constants of liquids

THz stand-off detection of explosives and other hazardous liquids in public areas becomes more and more relevant and with it the knowledge of their optical properties. We present here both the results of THz transmission spectroscopy measurements and spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements on liquids and their mixtures.