Researchers at NIST have developed a powerful new technique called ultrafast terahertz (THz) spectroscopy that can capture detailed, real-time images and spectra of materials and systems with unprecedented speed and resolution. The technique uses three independent femtosecond laser systems to generate ultrafast pulses across a wide range of frequencies, from the mid-infrared to the terahertz region. These pulses are then used in a pump-probe setup to excite and probe the samples, allowing researchers to observe and measure the dynamic behavior of materials and systems with a time resolution of just 40 femtoseconds.
The technique also employs advanced detector arrays, including gated diode detectors, photomultiplier detectors, and phase-locked microbolometer arrays, to capture both broadband transient spectra and wide-field images in the mid-infrared to terahertz range. This enables researchers to collect detailed information on the dynamic properties of materials and systems, providing a deeper understanding of their behavior and potential applications in various fields, such as materials science, chemistry, and biology.
Source: https://www.nist.gov/laboratories/tools-instruments/ultrafast-terahertz-spectroscopy
Keywords: Terahertz Spectroscopy, Femtosecond Laser Systems, Time-Resolved Spectral Measurements
