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SBIR Phase I: Compact THz-ABCD Spectrometer

Award Information
Agency: National Science Foundation
Branch: N/A
Contract: 0740625
Agency Tracking Number: 0740625
Amount: $100,000.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: EL
Solicitation Number: NSF 07-551
Timeline
Solicitation Year: N/A
Award Year: 2008
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
1223 Peoples Ave
Troy, NY 12180
United States
DUNS: 555614226
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Yuguang Zhao
 PhD
 (518) 833-0577
 yuguang.zhao@zomega-terahertz.com
Business Contact
 Yuguang Zhao
Title: PhD
Phone: (518) 833-0577
Email: yuguang.zhao@zomega-terahertz.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project proposes to develop a Compact TeraHertz (THz) Air-Breakdown-Coherent Detection (ABCD) Spectrometer. Specifically, this research will construct and integrate this THz spectrometer based on recent experimental and theoretical research on broadband THz waves produced from laser-induced plasma in ambient air. A focused optical pulse in a gas creates atmospheric plasma (ionized gas molecules) which produces very intense, highly-directional, and ultra-broadband THz waves in the far field. Through the reciprocal process, this plasma could also serve as a sensor of pulsed THz waves through air-breakdown coherent detection. With the introduction of secondary synchronized laser pulses, amplification of the THz field (amplitude, phase, and radiation direction) can also be achieved. Recent significant advances in THz science and technology will help scientists and engineers to use pulsed plasma to emit, control, enhance, and measure broadband THz waves. Applications include non-destructive testing, tomographic imaging, label-free genetic analysis, cellular level imaging, explosives detection, and chemical/biological sensing. In addition to advancing numerous sensing and imaging concepts in the THz frequency range, with an immediate impact on non-destructive analysis, a short-term application for homeland security and a longer-term interest in the biomedical sector.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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