Device for analyzing a sample using radiation in the terahertz frequency range
A device for analyzing a sample using radiation in the terahertz frequency range is provided. The device comprises a transmitter ( 3 ) comprising a THz signal generator ( 5, 6, 7; 51 ) for generating an electromagnetic THz signal, the THz signal generator comprising a nonlinear transmission line ( 7; 52 ). The device further comprises a surface plasmon polariton generating unit ( 8 ) adapted to convert the THz signal into a surface plasmon polariton. The transmitter ( 3 ) and the surface plamon polariton generating unit ( 8 ) are either integrated on one common substrate or on two separate substrates.
1. Device for analyzing a sample using radiation in the terahertz frequency range, comprising:
a transmitter comprising a THz signal generator for generating an electromagnetic THz signal, the THz signal generator comprising a nonlinear transmission line;
a surface plasmon polariton generating unit adapted to convert the THz signal into a surface plasmon polariton;
a THz surface plasmon polariton sensor adapted for bringing generated surface plasmon polaritons in interaction with a sample; and
a receiver comprising a THz surface plasmon polariton detector adapted for converting surface plasmon polaritons into an electromagnetic THz signal;
the transmitter, the surface plasmon polariton generating unit, and the receiver being either integrated on one common substrate or on two separate substrates; wherein all components for generating THz surface plasmon polaritons are integrated on said substrate or substrates, respectively.
2. Device according to claim 1 , wherein the surface plasmon polariton generating unit comprises at least one radiating element and at least one directivity creating structure.
3. Device according to claim 1 , wherein the THz surface plasmon polariton sensor comprises a conductive surface adapted such that a propagating surface plasmon polariton or a localized surface plasmon polariton can be excited.
4. Device according to claim 1 , wherein the surface plasmon polariton detector comprises at least one antenna.
5. Device according to claim 1 , wherein the receiver comprises a nonlinear transmission line.
6. Device according to claim 1 , wherein the receiver comprises a two-diode sampling bridge.
7. Device according to claim 1 , wherein both the transmitter and the receiver comprise at least one oscillator each.
8. Device according to claim 1 , wherein the THz signal generator is adapted such that the electromagnetic THz signal is a shock or pulse.
9. Device according to claim 1 , wherein the THz signal generator is a soliton oscillator, the soliton oscillator comprising an amplifier and a nonlinear transmission line in a feedback loop of the amplifier.
10. Device according to claim 1 , wherein the device further comprises an analog low-frequency IF output.
11. Device according to claim 1 , wherein the device further comprises an analog-digital converter and a digital signal processing unit.
12. Device according to claim 1 , wherein the device is an imaging device or a spectroscopy device.
13. Device according to claim 1 , wherein the device is a medical image acquisition device or a medical spectroscopy device.