Terahertz near-field optical imaging by a local source
Résumé
In the field of THz research, Terahertz (THz) imaging is a very attractive and promising application. However, the weak resolution available with such imaging systems limits the relevance of these instruments. We propose in this article to associate a THz microscope with near-field optics techniques in order to improve the resolution. A new THz imaging system based on a local illumination by a near-field source is presented here. Model object is imaged, and sub-wavelength spatial resolution is demonstrated for the first time to our knowledge with this configuration. The contrast and the resolution are confirmed by a theoretical study based on the diffraction in near-field zone.