Exploiting k-space - frequency duality in Fourier optics towards real-time compression-less terahertz imaging

Abstract: We present theoretical formulation and experimental demonstration of a novel technique for the fast compression-less terahertz imaging based on the broadband Fourier optics. The technique exploits k-vector/frequency duality in Fourier optics which allows using a single-pixel detector to perform angular scan along a circular path, while the broadband spectrum is used to scan along the radial dimension in Fourier domain. The proposed compression-less image reconstruction technique (hybrid inverse transform) requires only a small number of measurements that scales linearly with the image linear size, thus promising real-time acquisition of high-resolution THz images. Additionally, our imaging technique handles equally well and on the equal theoretical footing the amplitude contrast and the phase contrast images, which makes this technique useful for many practical applications. A detailed analysis of the novel technique advantages and limitations is presented, as well as its place among other existing THz imaging techniques is clearly identified