A 3D terahertz gradient-refractive index lens designed by transformation optics is achieved by fabricating “woodpile” structures with varying dimensions of subwavelength dielectric unit cells using the projection microstereolithography technique. Both simulation and experimental investigations confirm that the lens delivers an imaging resolution very close to the diffraction limit over a frequency range from 0.4 to 0.6 THz.
The new lens could be used for biomedical research and security imaging. “Terahertz is somewhat of a gap between microwaves and infrared,” said NW University’s Cheng Sun. “People are trying to fill in this gap because this spectrum carries a lot of information.” Sun and his team have used metamaterials and 3D printing to develop a novel lens that works with terahertz frequencies. Not only does it have better imaging capabilities than common lenses, but it opens the door for more advances in the mysterious realm of the terahertz.
Sometimes modern imaging systems stack several lenses to deliver optimal imaging performance, but this is very expensive and complex. The focal length of a lens is determined by its curvature and refractive index, which shapes the light as it enters. Without components to counter imperfections, resulting images can be fuzzy or blurred. Sun’s lens, on the other hand, employs a gradient index, which is a refractive index that changes over space to create flawless images without requiring additional corrective components.
There are 2 major factors that made this new lens possible. First, it is made from a novel metamaterial that exhibits properties not readily available in nature. “Such properties originate from its tiny structures that are much smaller than the terahertz wavelength,” said Fan Zhou. “By assembling these tiny structures, we can create specific refractive index distribution.” Second, the lens was manufactured with a 3D printing technique called projection micro-stereo-lithography. It enables a scalable, rapid, and inexpensive way to produce the tiny features that are needed for the lens to operate at the terahertz frequency band. The printing technology allowed the researchers to fabricate the metamaterial to precisely fit their designs.
“For printing, we use a photo-polymer in liquid form,” Sun said. “When we shine a light on the material, it converts it into a solid. The material forms to the shape of the light, allowing us to create a 3-D structure. You cannot accomplish a gradient index with traditional manufacturing processes.”
The lens could make terahertz imaging, which is particularly useful for security, cheaper, higher resolution, and more available. While X-rays can detect metal, they cannot detect plastic or chemicals. Terahertz scanners, however, can detect both of items to discover concealed weapons, biological weapons such as anthrax, and plastic explosives. And unlike X-rays, terahertz radiation is completely harmless to humans.
http://www.mccormick.northwestern.edu/news/articles/2016/04/light-powered-3-d-printer-creates-terahertz-lens.html
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