THz Discrimination of materials: demonstration of a bioinspired apparatus based on metasurfaces selective filters

TL;DR

This paper introduces a compact, cost-effective terahertz apparatus inspired by human color vision, using metasurface filters for rapid material discrimination suitable for on-field analysis.

Contribution

The work demonstrates a novel bioinspired terahertz system employing microfabricated metasurface filters and compact optics for quick, accurate material identification in real-world settings.

Findings

Successfully discriminates simple substances like salt, foods, and grease

Operates accurately and reproducibly in experimental tests

Offers a fast, simple, and economical solution for on-field material analysis

Abstract

We present an apparatus for terahertz fingerprint discrimination of materials designed to be fast, simple, compact and economical in order to be suitable for preliminary on-field analysis. The system working principles, bioinspired by the human vision of colors, are based on the use of microfabricated metamaterials selective filters and of a very compact optics based on metallic ellipsoidal mirrors in air. We experimentally demonstrate the operation of the apparatus in discriminating simple substances such as salt, staple foods and grease in an accurate and reproducible manner. We present the system and the obtained results and discuss issues and possible developments.