The terahertz band lies between radio and infrared frequencies in the electromagnetic spectrum. Waves in this frequency band offer many unique functionalities for non-destructive quality inspection applications. For example, many chemicals have unique spectral signatures at terahertz frequencies, enabling chemical identification and material characterization. Terahertz waves can also penetrate through many optically opaque materials and can offer higher-resolution images compared to radio waves; enabling imaging and sensing in environments that are visually not accessible. In addition, compared to ultrasound imaging, terahertz imaging does not require any coupling medium, enabling non-contact inspections. Furthermore, terahertz waves are non-ionizing and non-destructive and, unlike X-rays, they do not pose any health hazard. Despite these unique functionalities, the scope and potential uses of terahertz scanners for industrial quality control applications are limited, mainly due to the low radiation power of terahertz sources and low detection sensitivity of terahertz detectors.  

Lookin’s terahertz scanners address the performance limitations of existing technologies. Our scanners utilize a patented plasmonic terahertz transceiver technology, which was previously developed by our team at the University of California Los Angeles. With this breakthrough core technology, our terahertz scanners offer 1000-times higher dynamic range and scanning speed compared to the state-of-the art.