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2\11 ESA - Space camera blazes new terahertz trails
Part 2 of 2

In aviation, terahertz frequencies could penetrate fog. When the
technology is more developed, it is conceivable to build a monitor
that would give a pilot a clear view ahead. A higher resolution imager 
than currently developed would be needed.

Another potential application came to light when a zoo asked the
StarTiger team if a terahertz imager could look behind fur from a
distance to diagnose an animal's health. Examining certain animals
with thick fur, such as lions and bears, is not always easy. The team
thought this was possible in future versions of an imager. 

"We have recognised the huge potential in non-space applications, and
in parallel to exploiting the use of terahertz waves and the StarTiger 
technology in space, we have kicked-off a commercialisation study to 
identify the best way of transferring it into terrestrial systems," 
said Pierre Brisson, Head of ESA's Technology Transfer and Promotion 
Office. 
 

StarTiger team reaching the Terahertz Imager
--------------------------------------------
The significant milestone of developing a working prototype was
reached last September by the 11-member StarTiger team.

"At the end of July we had a prototype to test the various elements,"
explained Chris Mann, StarTiger Project Manager at RAL. "We had the
scanning mechanism in place and we managed to demonstrate the first
passive terahertz image in September at one frequency."

However, the resolution was low, 8-by-8 pixels, and the time needed to 
acquire the image was too long. The team then took the techniques
further and pushed the development of a lithographically and
micro-machined detector array.

"The final version was an enhanced imaging system incorporating a
two-colour 16-pixel detector array of the size of a postage stamp.
This advanced system incorporated revolutionary silicon
micro-electrical-mechanical systems (MEMs) technology," continued
Chris Mann. "The enhanced system delivered images that confirmed the
mysterious nature of terahertz waves. An imager can show details of
features under the skin, confirming the potential of this technique."

The team also tried to scan through a book, and the terahertz imager
acquired pictures through different materials. Knives and even
non-metallic items hidden in pockets or newspapers were clearly seen.

To reach the results in so short time was a tribute to the StarTiger
R&D approach. In addition, several recent technology developments made 
it possible to build the StarTiger terahertz imager in its relatively 
small size.

Attempts to construct a camera operating in the submillimetre wave
range have so far resulted in very bulky solutions. Such cameras have
primarily been based on waveguide-based technology and usually
assembled from discrete elements.

The recent advances in lithographically and micro-machining offered
the potential for the realisation of the same performance with much
smaller physical dimensions.

"The StarTiger imager fits within a briefcase, is easy transportable.
The core of the instruments is the size of a cigarette package," said
Peter de Maagt. "Next generation instruments will go for another
magnitude smaller size, by using electronic scanning." 


What's next?
------------
"With StarTiger we want to dramatically reduce the turnaround time
for state-of-the art technology developments. This we have
demonstrated as possible with this first StarTiger project," said
Niels Jensen, ESA's Head of Technology Programmes Department.

Niels Jensen continued, "Putting together a highly motivated team in
the same laboratory for an intense period with everything they can
possibly require, we can create a synergy not attainable to the same
extent in conventional R&D. This provides a real chance to advance a
well-defined key technology and reach a scientific breakthrough within 
a relative short period." 

"We intend to use this approach for selected key technologies in the
future. The location for projects will of course change from project
to project. The objective is to select the best European laboratory
for the each specific technology, to provide the best support for the
teams," concluded Niels Jensen. 


Note for editors:
-----------------
StarTiger is an acronym for 'Space Technology Advancements by
Resourceful, Targeted and Innovative Groups of Experts and
Researchers'. It is a pioneering ESA initiative designed to facilitate 
innovative research, launched last year under its Basic Technology 
Research Programme (TRP). The aim is to reach a quantum increase in a 
promising technology within a short period of time. 

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