Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

Terahertz frequency radiation (which occurs at the infrared/microwave boundary) is a relatively unexploited portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, primarily as a consequence of underdeveloped technology.  The generation and detection of pulsed terahertz radiation is now suitable for exploitation by industry, and is paving the way for exciting new research.   The present proposal describes a multifaceted research program to study the generation, detection and applications of terahertz radiation that spans fundamental science through to industrially relevant research.  There are three components to this program: (i) a collaborative effort for the generation of very-high-power terahertz pulses at the Advanced Laser Light Source (ALLS), and subsequent use in studies of the interaction of high-intensity terahertz radiation with matter, (ii) modeling of these interactions as well as terahertz generation processes, and (iii) examination of potential industrial uses of terahertz technology .The development of terahertz radiation at ALLS is underway, and expected to produce world-record levels of pulsed terahertz radiation in the very near future, allowing for fundamental studies not previously possible.  Modeling of the terahertz emission processes will play a key role in the optimization of sources being developed at ALLS.  This will help to drive innovations in emitter design, allowing for even higher power terahertz pulses, which will help keep Canada internationally competitive in this highly active field of research.  Modeling is also important to direct future experiments.Wood is opaque at infrared, optical and UV wavelengths.  The most successful imaging of wood and wood products has been done at X-ray frequencies, but X-rays are a health hazard which limits their application.  Wood is transparent in the terahertz-frequency range (sub-mm wavelength radiation) allowing transmission imaging of features this size and larger.  This research program aims to develop technology to benefit the Canadian wood products industry, which is economically important to this country.