TeraMetrix
What is Terahertz (THz)?
Terahertz radiation is part of the electromagnetic spectrum lying between microwaves and the far-IR. This region has frequencies ranging from 0.1 – 10 THz and wavelengths from 3 mm to 0.03 mm. This spectral region is often referred to as the “Terahertz gap” as these frequencies fall between electronic (measurement of field with antennas) and optical (measurement of power with optical detectors) means of generation. Historically, little study of the interactions between these wavelengths and matter has been undertaken. The reason for this was the difficulty in generating and detecting terahertz. Recent advances in combining optical and electronic methods have allowed for generation and detection of very high signal-to-noise ratio and high data acquisition rates of 0.1 – 3 THz frequencies
Features of Precision Terahertz Measurement
- Short terahertz pulse is an electromagnetic analog to ultrasound.
- Terahertz pulses penetrate most non-conductive materials.
- Handheld tools are available for single point or line scan.
- Completely safe, low power thermal energy.
- Easy waveform analysis for measurement customization.
Applications of Terahertz Measurement
- Coating Thickness.
- Aircraft NDT.
- FRP Composite NDT.
- Pipeline Repair Inspection.
- Seam Evaluation.
- Ceramic Coating Thickness.
- Void Detection.
- Radome Inspection.
- Automotive Fuel Tanks.
Application Overview downloads:
TeraHertz Gauging for Process Control
T-Ray 5000
The T-Ray® 5000 is the first compact pulsed terahertz measurement system that is robust enough to be deployed in an industrial environment and has all of the flexibility provided by our fibre coupled sensor heads in a rack mount package. By having replaceable sensor heads, the T-Ray® 5000 can be configured to fit your specific application. The T-Ray® 5000 product family allows state of the art terahertz research to be performed quickly and easily. The modular construction and patented fibre-coupling of the T-Ray® 5000 allow experiments to be rearranged to perform a large number of experiments.
TeraHertz Control Unit: T-Ray 5000 (TCU 52nm) brochure
T-Image Platform: T-Ray 5000 MSL520 brochure
Product Spotlight: "T-Ray 5000 TeraHertz Control Unit"
T-Ray 5000 SPG - Single Point Gauge
If your application calls for handheld coating measurement, or defect detection, the SPG500 provides an easy to use tool for coatings down to 25 microns and can display up to 3 selected measurements on the screen at the pull of a trigger. The T-Ray 5000 SPG is a single point thickness measurement gauges allows direct measurement of multiple layer objects with just the press of a button. The modular nature of the measurement tool allows either straight-on or right-angle measurement tips. The measurement is fundamentally non-contact, but for hand-held use, a measurement tip is used to aid the user in positioning the object at the focus of the THz beam. An easy to use touchscreen display allows selection of measurement configuration and mode of operation.
T-Ray 5000 LSG - Line Scan Gauge
The Line Scan Gauge (LSG) expands the function of hand held scanning by casting the beam along a 2-3 inch line, providing a real-time cross-sectional image (B-Scan) of the object under test. Each waveform can be analysed to provide individual layer measurements, b-scan images or videos. The LSG can measure layers down to 50 microns. Applications include void detection, subsruface defects or inclusions, aerosapce/automotive final assemblyprocedures e.g. measurement of "step and gap" between coated panels, art conservation, imaging through cermaics identifying previous repairs etc.
Online Sensor Head (C1D1)
The Online Sensor Head enhances the robustness of the T-Ray 5000 by enabling opertaion in flammable atmospheres, such as paint booths or coating facilties. The sensor is designed to be robot mountable and intrinsically safe. The working distance of the sensor head is fixed as standard at 115mm, but other working distances can be configured by request. The C1D1 is ideal for industrial and pilot applications where the transceiver is to be deployed in an explosive environment (paint booths, chemical plants etc). The transmitter and receiver are securely mounted inside a sealed stainless steel housing and the lens is teflon coated, resistant to solvents. All components in the "hazardous area" meet C1D1 standards.
Online Sensor Head (C1D1) brochure
Sensor Configurations
Choosing the right sensor is critical to optimizing the perfomrance within your application. With a suite of easy-to-use products and accessories challenge of the measurment application can often be met. For process control the T-Gauge Sensor configuration changes the nature of the online gauging. By coupling a T-Ray 5000 Terahertz Control Unit (TCU) with a specific umbilical and a sensor head, running alongside the T-Gauge software, a high-fidelity terahertz pulse can be produced; find outmore via the Product Spotlight link.
Product Spotlight: "Terahertz T-Ray Sensor configurations"
Online Sensor Umbilical & Extensions
SPG Right Angle & "Straight-On" Sensor Head configuration. LSG Different head configurations for stable and repateable measurements.