The National Science Foundation has awarded Radia Beam Technologies a Phase I SBIR grant to develop the T-camera, an innovative new type of imaging detector for radiation in the UV to far-infrared (terahertz) spectra. The principle investigator for the project is Dr. Alex Murokh , an world-renowned expert in electron beam-based radiation sources and diagnostics.
The principle of operation is to use the heat deposited by electromagnetic radiation on a thin sheet of thermochromic liquid crystal material, which reacts to temperature by changing color. "The concept behind the T-camera is amazingly simple, however in order to make a high-performance camera out of it, a great deal of engineering must be carried out" explained Dr. Murokh.
In Phase I, Radia Beam's in-house scientists and engineers will work with academic and industrial consultants to prepare a concept design. The design will be prototyped and tested in Phase II next year, and the commercial model is scheduled to begin production in mid-2008.
The T-camera will be an inexpensive, robust, broadband, UV to far-infrared imaging detector. Current technologies that address this need are very expensive and delicate. The T-camera will use commercially available components configured in a robust package, and will cost considerably less than the state-of-the art beam imaging detectors. It would find immediate use in laboratories as an inexpensive and robust method for imaging IR laser beams.
Future application in industrial inspection and security systems is envisioned. The far infrared/terahertz range has been finding intense interest for homeland security applications, due to the special properties of electromagnetic interactions on this scale. Most organic compounds have distinct absorption lines in the terahertz spectra, but are generally transparent. Metals strongly reflect terahertz radiation. Thus, for the detection of chemical and biological agents, explosives, and concealed weapons, terahertz radiation holds much promise. The T-camera could eventually be an integral component in a terahertz weapons detection system.
Additional information on RadiaBeam is available at the company web site: http://www.radiabeam.com/
About RadiaBeam Technologies, LLC
RadiaBeam Technologies manufactures products, performs directed research, and provides custom design and engineering services in the beam and accelerator research sector.
Our products come from technology transfer, licensing and original designs. We focus on novel acceleration methods, diagnostics, subsystems and EM radiation production.
The company has three main regimes of specialization: high brightness beams, femtosecond systems, and novel industrial / medical accelerators.
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