Simultaneous optical and multi-band terahertz imaging using an atomic quantum sensor

TL;DR

This paper presents a novel atomic-vapor-based system capable of simultaneous multi-band terahertz and optical imaging, enabling spectral analysis and potential integration into optical devices.

Contribution

It introduces a dual-species atomic vapor technique for concurrent terahertz and optical imaging using standard CMOS sensors.

Findings

Successful simultaneous imaging at 0.549 THz and 1.012 THz

Effective spectral analysis of material samples

Potential for integrating terahertz sensitivity into optical imaging devices

Abstract

We demonstrate simultaneous imaging at 0.549 THz and 1.012 THz with an optical overlay using a two-species atomic-vapour-based technique. The atomic vapour, comprising laser-pumped rubidium and caesium atoms contained within the same cell, is used to convert two narrowband terahertz signals to optical frequencies which can then be detected using standard CMOS sensors. We use the system to image and perform spectral analysis of material samples. As atomic vapour is optically transparent, by using optically-transparent terahertz lenses, we can achieve simultaneous optical imaging, allowing for potential integration of terahertz sensitivity into a range of optical imaging devices.