(Los Angeles, CA 10SEP07) RadiaBeam Technologies has been awarded a Phase II Small Business Innovation in Research (SBIR) grant from the National Science Foundation for the development of a novel terahertz (THz) camera, called the T-camera. This is RadiaBeam's third Phase II award and its first from the NSF.
The far infrared (FIR) to terahertz (THz) band of the electromagnetic spectrum has recently opened up with the proliferation of sources in this regime. However, the detector systems available on the market for this spectral region are currently expensive and inflexible. The research is centered on the study of a specific material that will convert the thermal imprint of incoming THz radiation into a visible, wavelength dependent signature that is analyzable by a detector and specialized software. In this new project, RadiaBeam will complete the engineering of the commercial prototype T-camera in order to offer the product to the research market within by mid-2009.
Also in this project, RadiaBeam will develop a scanning system based on this detector combined with a tunable source for use as a security/inspection system. The research will incorporate this detector, capable of imaging a wide spectrum of FIR-THz radiation sources with sensitivities better than current technologies at a fraction of the cost, into a scanner system that can scan small parcels, bags and humans to identify hazardous materials or contraband.
The Principle Investigator of the project, Dr. Alex Murokh, stated, "We are very excited about being able to complete our work on the T-camera. As researchers and industries increasingly exploit this previously inaccessible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, the need for a better imaging diagnostic tool becomes ever more important. A less-expensive, more sensitive imaging detector of FIR-THz sources is necessary before real-world applications, such as in medicine, become widespread."
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.
About the SBIR Program
The SBIR program is a highly competitive grant system that encourages small business to explore their technological potential. SBIR funds the critical startup and development stages and it encourages the commercialization of the technology, product, or service, which, in turn, stimulates the U.S. economy. Since its enactment in 1982, as part of the Small Business Innovation Development Act, SBIR has helped thousands of small businesses to compete for federal research and development awards.
# # #