In this article a monolithic resonant terahertz sensor element with a noise equivalent power superior to that of typical commercial room temperature single pixel terahertz detectors and capable of close to real time read-out rates is presented. The detector is constructed via the integration of a metamaterial absorber and a micro-bolometer sensor. An absorption magnitude of 57% at 2.5 THz, a minimum NEP of 37 pW/ √ Hz and a thermal time constant of 68 ms for the sensor are measured. As a demonstration of detector capability, it is employed in a practical Nipkow terahertz imaging system. The monolithic resonant terahertz detector is readily scaled to focal plane array formats by adding standard read-out and addressing circuitry enabling compact, low-cost terahertz imaging.
A survey of the perceptions of academic staff from three representative universities to recent higher education reform in Australia has revealed a high level of concern in many areas of academic responsibility and a dismal assessment of future prospects. This article reports responses to issues involving the mainstream activities of teaching and research as well as to the standard of undergraduate students and the extent of academic freedom. The quality of new students, of teaching and research are all identified as in decline. Changes in university management to a more corporate style are seen as a threat to academic freedom. Established research universities are concerned that scarce research funds are being stretched too far. This perception is leading to new divisions in the unified higher education sector.
Abstract-This article presents the design of an innovative, low-cost, uncooled, metamaterial based terahertz (THz) focal plane array (FPA). A single pixel is composed of a resonant metamaterial absorber and micro-bolometer sensor integrated in a standard 180 nm CMOS process. The metamaterial is made directly in the metallic and insulating layers available in the six metal layer CMOS foundry process. THz absorption is determined by the geometry of the metamaterial absorber which can be customized for different frequencies. The initial prototype consists of a 5 x 5 pixel array with a pixel size of 30 µm x 30 µm and is readily scalable to more commercially viable array sizes. The FPA imaging capability is demonstrated in a transmission and reflection mode experiment by scanning a metallic object hidden in a manila envelope.
We present the design and fabrication of terahertz (THz) metamaterial (MM) absorbers and their monolithic integration into a commercial CMOS technology along with its respective readout electronics to produce a low-cost, uncooled, and high resolution THz camera. We first describe the work done on single band and broadband MM absorbers on custom substrates, then progress with a description of the integration of such resonators into a six metal layer 180 nm CMOS process and its coupling with two types of microbolometer sensors: Vanadium oxide (VOx) and silicon (Si) pn diode. Additionally, we demonstrate the integration of the THz sensors with readout electronics to form a monolithic THz focal plane array (FPA). Reflection images of a metallic object hidden in a manila envelope are recorded using both the VOx and Si pn diode detectors, demonstrating the suitability of the technology for stand-off detection of concealed objects. Finally, we present the current work toward scaling this technology into a 64 × 64 FPA.
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