A Terahertz Video Camera Patch Sheet with an Adjustable Design based on Self‐Aligned, 2D, Suspended Sensor Array Patterning

Abstract

Terahertz (THz) imaging is expected to become powerful tools for nondestructive inspections. To ensure the practical use of THz non-destructive monitoring, versatile THz imagers with adjustable designs that can eliminate the complexities and the bulkiness of the device are urgently required. Herein, a self-aligned filtration process for a 2D, free-standing carbon nanotube film array and its application to a THz video camera patch are reported. The presented techniques enable a) to freely design the camera size, sensor array pattern, and suspended shape according to its applications, b) to cut the camera patch into desired shapes, and c) to attach them to the objects that are intended to be measured. Real-time, non-destructive monitoring of various infrastructures is demonstrated. These results indicate that it can function regardless of restrictions, such as the shapes and locations of the measurement samples, thus providing a strong possibility for use in future non-destructive sensor networks.

Emerging Internet of Things driven carbon nanotubes-based devices

“…First, CNT based E-eye, i.e., artificial retina, could detect the light intensity by photocurrent conversion. The sight sensory may require the optical [286] and photoelectronic devices [288,289]. Furthermore, the image computing circuitry has been demonstrated with thousands of CNT transistors [290].…”

Terahertz Detectors Based on Carbon Nanomaterials

“…[ 90,102 ] One example is that an uncooled wearable and bendable THz video camera has been fabricated with a free‐standing CNT film array. [ 105 ] Furthermore, the detector performance becomes very competitive after years of development in terms of the sensitivity, bandwidth, operation temperature and integration, especially at mid‐ and high‐frequency THz range (3–10 THz), which is notoriously difficult for electronic and photonic devices.…”

“…[ 109 ] In addition, a self‐aligned filtration process is used to pattern the free‐standing CNT film array to a flexible, 2D, matrix patch sheet THz video camera ( Figure a). [ 105 ] Typically, first a CNT solution is filtered through a pre‐patterned polyimide film to form a bridged structure, and the CNT film is connected with the pre‐evaporated Bi electrode in series. The large negative Seebeck coefficient of Bi (−77 µV K −1 ) acts as a counter to that of the p ‐type CNT film (52 µV K −1 ) in the series CNT‐metal contact model, [ 106 ] and can thus ensure enhanced THz response.…”

Recent progress of terahertz detectors based onphotothermoelectric effect

“…[56] ；(f)利用柔性太赫兹光热电探测阵列进行无损检测成像的效果 [24] ； Fig. 6 Different types of terahertz PTE detectors with asymmetric electrode materials and .…”

“…The influence of electrode thickness on imaging [55] ; (d), (e) The parallel electrode structure (d) and the series electrode structure (e) [56] ; (f) The non-destructive testing through the flexible terahertz PTE detector array [24] ; junction(Reprinted with permission from [18] . Copyright 2014 American Chemical Society); (b) The double gated graphene detector(Reprinted with permission from [58] .…”