OTST 2017 to be held in London

The seventh international conference on Optical Terahertz Science and Technology (OTST 2017) will bring researchers from around the world to present and discuss most recent advances in terahertz (THz) research, ranging from fundamental science to cutting edge developments in THz technology. For the first time the conference will be held in Europe in the heart of London following the previous six conferences held in USA and Japan. An introductory workshop/tutorial for students and those who are new to the field of THz science and technology will be organised on the first day (April 2).

Organised by the IOP Instrument Science and Technology Group

Conference Chairs:

Dr Oleg Mitrofanov - University College London
Dr Miriam Serena Vitiello - NEST, Istituto Nanoscience CNR and Scuola Normale Superiore, Italy

Link

Terahertz session at CLEO 2016

Invited speakers at the terahertz session at CLEO 2016

S&I 5: Terahertz Technologies and Applications

Tyler Cocker, Univ. of Regensburg, Germany
Taking sub-cycle THz nanoscopy to the Limits

Michael  Johnston, Univ. of Oxford, UK
Understanding Charge Dynamics in Perovskite Semiconductors using Non-contact THz Probes

Jaime Gomez Rivas, Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research (DIFFER); Eindhoven Univ. of Tech, The Netherlands, Netherlands
THz metamaterials and metasurfaces

Miriam Vitiello, Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa, Italy
Efficient Room-tempareture Terahertz Nano-detectors based on Novel 2D Materials

Enhanced Terahertz Imaging of Small Forced Delamination in Woven Glass Fibre-reinforced Composites with Wavelet De-noising

Abstract

Terahertz (THz) reflection imaging is applied to characterize a woven glass fibre-reinforced composite laminate with a small region of forced delamination. The forced delamination is created by inserting a disk of 25- μ m-thick Upilex film, which is below the THz axial resolution, resulting in one featured echo with small amplitude in the reflected THz pulses. Low-amplitude components of the temporal signal due to ambient water vapor produce features of comparable amplitude with features associated with the THz pulse reflected off the interfaces of the delamination and suppress the contrast of THz C- and B-scans. Wavelet shrinkage de-noising is performed to remove water-vapor features, leading to enhanced THz C- and B-scans to locate the delamination in three dimensions with high contrast.

Link to article

The CLEO 2016 Call for Papers is Now Open!

Share your work at CLEO, the Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics. The meeting serves as the premier international forum for scientific and technical optics, uniting the fields of lasers and opto-electronics by bringing together all aspects of laser technology, from basic research to industry applications.

Abstract and Summary Submission Deadline: 27 January 2016 12:00 EST (17:00 GMT)

The CLEO:2016 technical program is composed of 25 topic categories from fundamental science to application and technology. Questions regarding the paper submission and review process can be directed to the Technical Papers Staff at cstech@osa.org at any time. 

Benefits to Presenting Your Contributed Work at CLEO:2016

• Every accepted paper is published in OSA Publishing's Digital Library, the largest peer-reviewed collection of optics and photonics research

• Presented work is submitted to IEEE’s Xplore Digital Library

• Presented work is indexed in Ei Compendex, Scopus and several other indexing service partners

• Opportunity to share your work at the leading, peer-reviewed conference on lasers and electro-optics

• Share your research and collaborate with the top echelon in the field. CLEO has a loyal attendee base which includes the top leaders in the industry

http://www.cleoconference.org/home/
 

Technical Conference: 5-10 June 2016 | CLEO: Expo 7-9 June 2016

San Jose Convention Center, San Jose, CA, USA

Engineering Student Recognized by National Society

Nathan Burford, a doctoral student in the microelectronics-photonics program, recently received a Doctoral Research Fellowship from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Antennas and Propagation Society. Burford was recognized for his research on terahertz radiation by the IEEE awards board, which seeks to honor members whose research proves beneficial to society.

Read the rest of the article here.

ISTFA proves to be a success

TeraView had a great time at this years ISTFA!

We would like to thank everyone involved for putting on such a great event, and we look forward to seeing you all again next year!

Major Investment in TeraView Technology

TeraView, the pioneer and leader in Terahertz solutions and technology, is pleased to announce that its success in developing new products for the inspection of chip sets used in mobile consumer electronics has resulted in a major new investment from a consortium of Asian, US and EU institutions.

The investment will support the expansion of product and technology development at TeraView, as well as pre- and post-sales customer support across the world, maintaining TeraView’s technological and commercial lead in the growing Terahertz market. The value to consumers will be higher performance and more reliable mobile devices.

Read the press release here.

Selectivity of Terahertz Gas-Phase Spectroscopy

Ryan M. Smith and Mark A Arnold

Abstract:

Analytical potential of terahertz (THz) spectroscopy is assessed by comparing selectivity for a set of eight environmentally important gases over THz and infrared (IR) optical frequencies. Se-lectivity coefficients are determined over selected spectral regions for acetaldehyde, acetoni-trile, ethanol, water, methanol, ammonia, propionaldehyde, and propionitrile. These selectivity coefficients quantify the magnitude of the net analyte signal for each test compound relative to the other seven. In addition to the THz spectral range (2-125 cm-1), selectivity coefficients are determined for the following IR regions 600-1300, 1300-2000, 2600-3100, 3100-4000, and 4000-6500 cm-1. Highest selectivity is afforded over the THz frequencies for six of the eight test compounds and THz selectivity coefficients for the other two gases (water and acetonitrile) are acceptable for environmental measurements.

If you would like to read more please use this link.

TeraView is recruiting

Terahertz Applications Engineer

TeraView Ltd is the world’s first and leading provider of terahertz solutions to Fortune 500 companies across a variety of industries. TeraView was created in 2001 from a relationship between the Toshiba Corporation and the Cavendish Laboratory at the University Cambridge. TeraView’s vision is to establish terahertz as the premier imaging and inspection tool for the 21^st century, comparable to the enormous success of X-Ray the latter half of the last century, and more recently ultrasound.

We are currently looking for an Applications Engineer based in the north eastern region of the US. The Applications Engineer will be expected to support customers in technical pre- and post-sales activities, and be effective at managing customer relationships. The ideal candidate will have technical background with a good first degree in physics, chemistry or a related discipline.  The candidate will also have ideally worked for a number of years in an optical-based instrumentation company with exposure to the pharmaceutical, chemical, semiconductor or process control industries.

The key tasks involved will be:

·         Providing technical advice and support to customers at both pre- and post-sales stages

·         Develop technical proposals, quotations and help facilitate orders

• Help plan and support marketing activity such as tradeshows, roadshows, user meetings and lead generation activities
• Provide technical training to employees of our customers

·         Attending conference and technical meetings

·         Supporting the customer by addressing their requirements in a wide variety of application areas

·         Maintain technical service database and reference files, documenting response times and delivering on commitments made to customer

·         Communicate customer and product feedback to Marketing and R&D to further improve quality and the customer experience

·         Contribute to technical publications, application notes

·         First point of contact for customer feedback

·         Regular contact with TeraView’s installed based within the United States

·         Travel within the US will be required on a frequent basis, with regular trips to the UK also required

Software skills required include

·         Office/Word/Excel/PowerPoint

Other skills, experience and characteristics required

·         Collaborative team player

·         Proactive mind set

·         Highly organised

·         Attention to detail

·         Being able to work with minimal supervision

·         Good communicator

·         Positive mind set

·         A valid driving licence is required

·         Critical thinking skills

Desirable skills

·         Good understanding of terahertz spectroscopy and imaging

·         Background in spectroscopy instrumentation

To apply for this vacancy, please send your CV and a support letter in their application detailing why they are right for the job. These should be sent to:-recruitment@teraview.com.

TeraView offers flexible working hours with an excellent salary and benefits package, along with the opportunity for highly-motivated staff to work together in a friendly, intellectually stimulating and challenging environment.

We are an equal opportunities employer and pride ourselves on our diverse workforce.  For further information and background on the company, please visit our website on: www.teraview.com

Please note: applicants must be able to work legally in the United States for any employer, without sponsorship.

Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

No agencies please.

TeraView at ISTFA 2015

TeraView are pleased to announce their attendance at this year’s ISTFA Conference & Exposition.

Teraview’s Dr. Ka Chung Lee will present a talk on Tuesday 3rd November, titled:

‘Fast Feature Based Non-Destructive Fault Isolation in 3D IC Packages Utilizing Virtual Known Good Device’

For more information on the event visit the ISTFA website here, you can view the program here.

Come and visit us at booth 105, a layout map of the event can be found here.

If you would like to organize a prior meeting please contact Mr Martin Igarashi

ISTFA is the premier event for the Failure Analysis of Microelectronics, attracting the who's who of the FA industry.

ISTFA 2015 will be held between November 1-5 at the Portland Convention Center, Portland, OR, USA

TeraView at EAS 2015

TeraView are pleased to announce their attendance at this year’s EAS Analytical Conference!

TeraView's Principal Scientist Dr. Philip Taday will be presenting a talk on Monday 16th November at 10.20am, by the title of:

‘Terahertz Systems for Cultural Heritage’

Tiphaine Bardon from UCL will follow the talk and present her work done in collaboration with TeraView using the TPS3000, titled:

‘Characterization and Imaging of Archival Texts: Let's Have a Word with Terahertz!’

If you would like to arrange a meeting with Dr. Philip Taday at EAS 2015, please contact him via philip.taday@teraview.com.

For more information on the event visit the EAS website here, and to view the program use this link.

The Eastern Analytical Symposium and Exposition (EAS) is held each year to provide professional scientists and students continuing education in the analytical and allied sciences through the presentation of symposia of papers, workshops, and short courses. An exposition of apparatus and supplies allied to these sciences is held concurrently with the symposia. 

EAS 2015 will be held November 16-18, 2015 at the Garden State Exhibit Center and hotel complex in Somerset, New Jersey.

Terahertz Spectroscopy Applied For Investigation of Water Structure

Nikita Penkov, Nikolay Shvirst, Valery Alexandrovich Yashin, Eugeny Eugenievich Fesenko (Jr.), and Eugeny Eugenievich Fesenko

 Abstract

The absorption spectra of liquid water and different aqueous solutions were analyzed in a terahertz frequency domain (from 6 to 200 cm–1) which characterize the collective dynamics of water molecules. The particular attention was paid to the relaxation process in the range of ~6–80 cm-1. The physical essence of this process on the molecular level is still unclear. We found that the amplitude of this relaxation process correlates with the degree of destruction of water structure. The obtained data allowed us to interpret this process as a monomolecular relaxation of free water molecules. Based on a consideration of the water polarization in the electric field we proposed a method of calculation of the amount of free water molecules in solution.

If you would like to read more please use this link.

Calendering as a direct shaping tool for the continuous production of fixed-dose combination products via co-extrusion

A.-K. Vynckier, H. Lin, J.A. Zeitler, J.-F. Willart, E. Bongaers J. Voorspoels, J.P. Remon, C. Vervaet

European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics

Abstract

In this study calendering is used as a downstream technique to shape monolithic co-extruded fixed-dose combination products in a continuous way. Co-extrudates with a metoprolol tartrate-loaded sustained-release core and a hydrochlorothiazide-loaded immediate-release coat were produced and immediately shaped into a monolithic drug delivery system via calendering, using chilled rolls with tablet-shaped cavities. In vitro metoprolol tartrate release from the ethylcellulose core of the calendered tablets was prolonged in comparison with the sustained release of a multiparticulate dosage form, prepared manually by cutting co-extrudates into mini-matrices. Analysis of the dosage forms using X-ray micro-computed tomography only detected small differences between the pore structure of the core of the calendered tablet and the mini-matrices. Diffusion path length was shown to be the main mechanism behind the release kinetics. Terahertz pulsed imaging visualized that adhesion between the core and coat of the calendered tablet was not complete and a gradient in coat thickness (varying from 200 to 600 μm) was observed. Modulated differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction indicated that the solid-state properties of both drugs were not affected by the calendering procedure.

see http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0939641115003264

... 2.2.6. Terahertz pulsed imaging (TPI). The calendered tablets from different formulations were
analyzed using a TPI imaga2000 coating scan system (TeraView, Cambridge,UK). ... Images wereanalyzed using TPI View (version 3.0.3, TeraView, Cambridge, UK). ...

Improved terahertz modulation using germanium telluride (GeTe) chalcogenide thin films

Abstract

We demonstrate improved terahertz (THz) modulation using thermally crystallized germaniumtelluride (GeTe) thin films. GeTe is a chalcogenide material that exhibits a nonvolatile, amorphous to crystalline phase change at approximately 200 °C, as well as six orders of magnitude decreased electrical resistivity. In this study, amorphous GeTe thin films weresputtered on sapphire substrates and then tested using THz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS). The test samples, heated in-situ while collecting THz-TDS measurements, exhibited a gradual absorbance increase, an abrupt nonvolatile reduction at the transition temperature, followed by another gradual increase in absorbance. The transition temperature was verified by conducting similar thermal tests while monitoring electrical resistivity. THz transmittance modulation data were investigated between 10 and 110 cm⁻¹ (0.3–3.3 THz). A peak modulation of approximately 99% was achieved at 2.3 THz with a 100 nm GeTe film on a sapphiresubstrate. After isolating the sapphire and the crystalline GeTe (c-GeTe) absorbance contributions, the results showed THz modulations ranging from 88.5% to 91.5% that were attributed solely to the single layer of transitioned c-GeTe. These results strongly motivate using GeTe or other chalcogenide thin films in THz modulators, filters, and metamaterial applications.

http://scitation.aip.org/content/aip/journal/apl/107/3/10.1063/1.4927272

The measurments in this paper were collected with a TeraView THz-TDS spectroscopy system equipped with a variable temperature sample holder.

Teraview's TPS Spectra 3000 used to measure piezoelectric sensor adhesive bonding

http://iopscience.iop.org/1742-6596/628/1/012114/pdf/1742-6596_628_1_012114.pdf

Assessment of piezoelectric sensor adhesive bonding

Abstract

Piezoelectric transducers are widely utilized in Structural Health Monitoring (SHM). They are used both in guided wave-based and electromechanical impedance-based methods. Transducer debonding or unevenly distributed glue underneath the transducer reduce the performance and reliability of the SHM system. Therefore, quality assessment methods for glue layer need to be developed. In this paper, the authors present results obtained from two methods that allow the quality assessment of adhesive bonds of piezoelectric transducers. The electromechanical impedance method is utilized to analyze transducer adhesive bonding. An improperly prepared bonding layer is a source for changes in the electromechanical impedance characteristics in comparison to a perfectly bonded transducer. In the resistance characteristics of the properly bonded transducer the resonance peaks of the structure were clearly visible. In the case when adhesive layer is not equally distributed under sensor, the amplitudes of structural resonance peaks are reduced. In the case of completely detached transducer, the structural resonance peaks disappear and only resonance peaks of the transducer itself are visible. These peaks (peaks of free transducer hanging on wires) are significantly larger than the resonance peaks of the investigated structure in the considered frequency interval. The bonding layer shape is also analyzed using time-domain terahertz spectroscopy in reflection mode. This method allows to visualize the adhesive layer distribution based on C-scan analysis. C-scans of signals or envelope-detected signals can be used to estimate the area of proper adhesion between bonding agent and transducer and hence provides a more quantitative approach towards transducer inspection. 


Teraview's TPS Spectra 3000 was used the investigate the materials used in the paper.

SPIE Photonics West OPTO 2016 Conference - Call For Papers

SPIE Photonics West OPTO 2016 Terahertz, RF, Millimeter, and Submillimeter-Wave Technology and Applications IX conference

Abstracts are accepted now through 3 August 2015

For more information go to http://spie.org/PWO/conferencedetails/thz-rf-mm-submm-wave-technology

.

Microwave shielding and DC Electrical Properties of Carbon Black Loaded Rubber Nano-Composites

Abstract

In this work, ten carbon black (CB) loaded elastic acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) nano-composites have been prepared to be used in microwave shielding applications. The DC electric properties of these CB loaded NBR composites have been studied. The evolution of DC conductivity of CB loaded NBR composites with loading level revealed S-shapes curve in accordance with the percolation theory. The current (I)-voltage (V) relations have been studied for these samples at room temperature. All CB loaded NBR composite samples showed Ohmic behavior with the exception of two samples namely CB30 and CB40 in which space charge limited conduction is obvious. Microwave shielding has been calculated from the transmittance data measured using terahertz time domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) technique. The analysis of microwave shielding data revealed that the sample CB70 has the highest shielding effectiveness. The results of the microwave shielding effectiveness of CB loaded NBR composites were correlated to their DC electric conductivities. Results showed that there is a strong relationship between the DC electric conductivity of the samples and their activity regarding microwave shielding effectiveness. The current investigation of microwave shielding properties of CB loaded NBR composites magnifies the importance of DC electric conduction losses as a major mechanism for microwave shielding.

http://www.jmest.org/wp-content/uploads/JMESTN42350842.pdf

TPS Spectra 3000, (TeraView, UK) was used for measuring transmittance of the samples in the frequency range 10-1000 GHz

ASSESSMENT METHODS FOR COMPOSITE AEROSPACE STRUCTURES

Summary:
In this paper result of detection and localization of artificially initiated delaminations in small carbon fibre reinforced polymer CFRP and glass fibre reinforced polymers GFRP samples were presented. The first method was electromechanical impedance method (EMI). This method utilizes electromechanical coupling of piezoelectric transducer with host structure. Due to this coupling mechanical resonances of structure can be seen in electrical impedance characteristic of piezoelectric transducer. Instead of electrical impedance other parameters such as resistance, conductance, admittance or susceptance are very often utilized. In the research real part of electrical impedance (resistance) was measured. Delamination in CFRP sample caused frequency shift of certain resonance frequencies visible in resistance characteristic. The second method was a laser vibrometry. It is a noncontact technique that allows to measure vibration of structure excited by piezoelectric transducer. During research standing waves (vibration–based method) and propagating waves (guided waves–based method) were registered for CFRP sample. In the vibration–based method, the frequency shifts of certain resonance frequencies were analyzed. In guided waves-based technique, the interaction of elastic waves with delamination can be seen in the RMS energy map. The third method is Terahertz spectroscopy. The device uses an electromagnetic radiation in the terahertz range (0.1–3 THz). The spectrometer is equipped with moving table that allows for XY scanning of large objects. During research the scanning heads working in reflection mode were utilized and the measurements were taken for GFRP sample with delamination. During research time signals as well as sets of signals creating B–scans and C–scans were analysed. The obtained results showed that the THz spectroscopy technique can detect and visualize delamination between the GFRP layers.

Teraview's TPS Spectra 3000 was used in these investigations

http://www.dem.ist.utl.pt/smart2015/files/SMART_2015_Proceedings/PDF/Papers/SMART2015_053.pdf

Microelectromechanically tunable multiband metamaterial with preserved isotropy

Abstract

We experimentally demonstrate a micromachined reconfigurable metamaterial with polarization independent characteristics for multiple resonances in terahertz spectral region. The metamaterial unit cell consists of eight out-of-plane deformable microcantilevers placed at each corner of an octagon ring. The octagon shaped unit cell geometry provides the desired rotational symmetry, while the out-of-plane movable cantilevers preserves the symmetry at different configurations of the metamaterial. The metamaterial is shown to provide polarization independent response for both electrical inductive-capacitive (eLC) resonance and dipolar resonance at all states of actuation. The proposed metamaterial has a switching range of 0.16 THz and 0.37 THz and a transmission intensity change of more than 0.2 and 0.7 for the eLC and dipolar resonances, respectively for both TE and TM modes. Further optimization of the metal layer thickness, provides an improvement of up to 80% modulation at 0.57 THz. The simultaneously tunable dual band isotropic metamaterial will enable the realization of high performance electro-optic devices that would facilitate numerous terahertz applications such as compressive terahertz imaging, miniaturized terahertz spectroscopy and next generation high speed wireless communication possible in the near future.

All THz transmission spectra measured in this paper were acquired using TeraView's TPS Spectra 3000.

http://www.nature.com/srep/2015/150626/srep11678/full/srep11678.html

Quad-band THz frequency selective surface based on a split ring resonator loaded with multiple slots

Abstract

A quad-band terahertz (THz) frequency selective surface with bandstop response is designed, fabricated, and characterized. The unit cell of the filter consists of a split ring resonator (SRR) and surrounding four groups of slots. Each group of slots has three slots with different lengths. The lowest frequency band is determined by the resonance of the SRR and the other three upper bands are selected by the resonance of the slots which exhibit bandstop characteristics rather than bandpass characteristics. The filter transformation characteristic originates from the slits placed between the unit cells which act as series-connected capacitive components. The fabricated quad-band THz filters exhibited bandstop characteristics with attenuation higher than 20 dB in all the operating frequency bands.

The quad-band FSSs were characterized using TeraView's time domain spectroscopy system - the TPS Spectra 3000.

http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09205071.2015.1053576

Laser 2015: terahertz technologies - a growing market

Laser 2015: terahertz technologies - a growing market

Properties of two-component nematic liquid crystal mixtures in the range of 0.3–3.0 THz

TeraView's TPS Spectra 3000 was used to investigate nematic liquid crystals in the range of 0.3–3.0 THz.


http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02678292.2015.1036816#.VYvdFvlViko


Abstract

In this work, we present the results of terahertz measurements of five nematic liquid crystal materials. Optical properties like refractive indices, birefringence and absorption coefficients of liquid crystals (LCs) for ordinary and extraordinary polarisation were compared. The aim of this study was to check the impact of the structure of LC molecules on above properties. The compounds with different core structure and various number of laterally substituted fluorine atoms were chosen. A standard terahertz Time-Domain Spectrometer to measurements from 0.3 THz to 3 THz was used.

Thesis - Growth of breast tumors in vitro to characterize a terahertz imaging platform

Biological Sciences 
J. William Fulbright 
College of Arts and Sciences 
The University of Arkansas

Samples analysed in this thesis were imaged
using the TPS Spectra 3000 Teraview and analyzed using the TVL Imaging Suite.

http://dpoc.uark.edu:8080/jspui/bitstream/10826/1187/1/ACKLIN-THESIS-2015.pdf

TeraView TPS 3000 unit for time domain spectroscopy was used to investigate spectral properties of nematic liquid crystal mixtures

Article

Spectral Properties of Nematic Liquid Crystal Mixtures Composed with Long and Short Molecules in THz Frequency Range

ABSTRACT In this paper the influence of short and long molecules added to liquid crystal
6CHBT were investigated. Change of refractive indices and absorption coefficients
for 6CHBT mixtures were compared in the 0.3 - 3 THz frequency range. Influence of
temperature on the mentioned parameters of liquid crystal were investigated. Our study
show that even a slight change in shape and the composition of the molecules dopants
affects the macroscopic properties of liquid crystal. These properties depend on the
length of chains, the number of benzene or cyclohexane rings or the spatial distribution
of molecules and the interactions between them in the liquid crystal mixture. Spectra
measurements on the terahertz time-domain spectrometer were performed.
Spectral Properties of Nematic Liquid Crystal Mixtures Composed with Long and Short Molecules in THz Frequency Range (PDF Download Available). Available from: http://www.researchgate.net/publication/235218799_Spectral_Properties_of_Nematic_Liquid_Crystal_Mixtures_Composed_with_Long_and_Short_Molecules_in_THz_Frequency_Range [accessed Jun 23, 2015].

TeraView at IRMMW-THz 2015

TeraView invites you to visit us at IRMMW-THz 2015!

"Since 2000, the IRMMW-THz conference series has alternated between Asia, Europe and America on a continuous three year cycle. In 2015, the conference returns to the Asian leg, and will be held in Hong Kong for the first time from August 23 to 28 at the Chinese University of Hong Kong."


TeraView's CEO, Dr. Don Arnone will be in attendance for the event and will be one of the plenary speakers.


TeraView's Dr. Philip Taday will also be attending the event, and will be demonstrating TeraView's flagship instrument, the TeraPulse 4000 in our booth over.


If you would like to pre-arrange a meeting, or a chance to view a demonstration of the TeraPulse 4000, please e-mail Dr. Phil Taday at philip.taday@teraview.com.

Impact of Processing Conditions on Inter-tablet Coating Thickness Variations Measured by Terahertz In-Line Sensing

HUNGYEN LIN, ROBERT K. MAY, MICHAEL J. EVANS, SHUNCONG ZHONG, LYNN F. GLADDEN, YAOCHUN SHEN,

J. AXEL ZEITLER

Abstract

A novel in-line technique utilising pulsed terahertz radiation for directmeasurement of the film coating thickness of individual tablets during the coating process was previously developed and demonstrated on a production-scale coater. Here, we use this technique to monitor the evolution of tablet film coating thickness and its inter-tablet variability during the coating process under a number of different

process conditions that have been purposefully induced in the production-scale coating process. The changes that were introduced to the coating process include removing the baffles from the coater, adding uncoated tablets to the running process, halting the drum, blockage of spray guns and changes to the spray rate. The terahertz sensor was able to pick up the resulting changes in average coating thickness in the coating drum and we report the impact of these process changes on the resulting coating quality. C⃝ 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci

This study was performed using TeraView's Spectra 3000 system. (TeraView, Cambridge, UK)

Full Article: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jps.24503/full

Photonics West - Call for Papers

This conference brings together researchers and engineers from academia, industry, and government laboratories to explore and present work in the frequency range covering approximately less than 1 GHz (300 mm) to greater than 3 THz (100 μm). Papers on RF and millimeter technology including advances in wireless communications, radar, lidar, microwave and mm-wave photonics, metamaterials, antennas, phased array radar, modulation, security, monitoring, detection, imaging are encouraged. Papers in photonic-related fields including, but not limited to, radio over fiber (RoF) RF photonics including photonic generation of microwave signals, photonic processing of microwave signals, and photonic distribution of microwave signals and semiconductor (including Si, SiC, SOI, GaAs, GaN, InP, SiGe, diamond, graphene and other materials) RF, mm-wave and terahertz devices and related applications are also encouraged, as well as the hybrid photonic systems and applications. Terahertz (THz) technology deals with the generation and utilization of electromagnetic energy covering what is also known as the sub-millimeter wave region of the spectrum. In this region, which lies between the millimeter wave and far infrared spectral regions, materials exhibit properties that can be exploited to advantage for use over a broad range of important technologies and applications. Papers on terahertz photonics including photonic generation and detection of terahertz waves, THz lasers are also encouraged.

Abstracts are due on the 3rd of August 2015, and papers are solicited in the following areas: 

• Terahertz sources
• RF, sub-millimeter-wave and millimeter-wave sources
• Detectors
• High-power sources, modules, and systems
• Terahertz, RF, millimeter-wave, and sub-millimeter-wave passive components
• Materials for THz and GHz devices
• Enhancements, improvements and advances in RF, millimeter-wave and sub-millimeter wave generation, modulation and detection
• Simulations and modeling
• Spectroscopy
• Biomedical applications
• Communication and sensing systems
• Imaging and security
• Astronomy and space and other areas of photonics, light, and matter
• Innovations
• Power supplies and electronic power conditioners
• Organic electronics

For more information please visit http://spie.org/PWO/conferencedetails/thz-rf-mm-submm-wave-technology

An Effective Method for Substance Detection Using the Broad Spectrum THz Signal with a “Terahertz Nose”

Vyacheslav A. Trofimov  and Svetlana A. Varentsova 

Abstract

We propose an effective method for the detection and identification of dangerous substances by using the broadband THz pulse. This pulse excites, for example, many vibrational or rotational energy levels of molecules simultaneously. By analyzing the time-dependent spectrum of the THz pulse transmitted through or reflected from a substance, we follow the average response spectrum dynamics. Comparing the absorption and emission spectrum dynamics of a substance under analysis with the corresponding data for a standard substance, one can detect and identify the substance under real conditions taking into account the influence of packing material, water vapor and substance surface. For quality assessment of the standard substance detection in the signal under analysis, we propose time-dependent integral correlation criteria. Restrictions of usually used detection and identification methods, based on a comparison between the absorption frequencies of a substance under analysis and a standard substance, are demonstrated using a physical experiment with paper napkins. 

Full Article: http://scholar.google.co.uk/scholar_url?url=http://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/15/6/12103/pdf&hl=en&sa=X&scisig=AAGBfm1LSPK_lrl8QysLaqcq1c3X8gkORg&nossl=1&oi=scholaralrt

Careers at TeraView!

TeraView Ltd. are currently recruiting for a range of exciting new roles within the company! 

TeraView offers an excellent salary and benefits package, along with the opportunity for highly-motivated staff to work together and shape the development of products in one of the newest and most exciting areas of technology. 

For all the information you need on the wide range of roles TeraView are currently recruiting for, please visit our careers page at: http://www.teraview.com/about/careers-jobs.html

Current vacancies at TeraView

• Financial Controller 
• Instrument Assembly Technician 
• Mechanical Design Engineer 
• Product Manager 
• Software Developer 
• Software Developer Team Leader

Company Overview

TeraView Ltd is the world’s first and leading provider of Terahertz solutions to Fortune 500 companies, in a variety of industries. TeraView’s advanced portfolio of Terahertz applications knowledge, system design, product range and intellectual property (63 patents granted) is unrivalled in breadth and depth.  There now exists an unprecedented opportunity to exploit this first mover advantage in select, commercially validated markets, to establish a commercially dominant position in this last unconquered region of the electromagnetic spectrum. 

TeraView’s vision is to establish Terahertz as the premier imaging tool for the 21st century, comparable to the enormous success of X-Ray the latter half of the last century, and more recently ultrasound. Ultrasound progressed from research to become an extensively used tool in inspection and other applications, as a result of technological advances similar to those now transforming Terahertz. The current ultrasound market is valued at close to $3.2B per annum, and has an annual growth rate of 30% +.