Doctor of Philosophy

dissertationThe terahertz frequency band extends from deep infrared (100 THz) down to millimeter waves (0.4 THz), and this band was mostly inaccessible due to the lack of appropriate sources and detectors. Those with access to this band had to endure the small-intensity pulsed signals (nanowatts to microwatts) that the terahertz sources of those times could provide. In recent years, however, sufficient development has led to the availability of terahertz sources with sufficient power (1-100 μW) and the ease of use these sources has in turn enabled researchers to develop newer sources, detectors, and application areas. The terahertz regime is interesting because a) many molecules have vibrational, rotation and transition absorption bands in this regime, b) the terahertz electromagnetic wavelength is sufficiently small to resolve centimeter to millimeter scale objects, and c) scattering and absorption in metals in the terahertz regime make it very challenging to devise terahertz signal processing circuits. Thus, performing terahertz reflection/transmission measurements may enable precise identification of chemicals in a sample. Furthermore, small wavelengths and strong scattering by metallic objects make imaging with terahertz waves quite attractive. Finally, the ability to devise terahertz communication circuits and links will provide access to a frequency domain that is restricted and not available to others. One of the main objectives of this work is to develop 0.75 - 1.1 terahertz (free space wavelength 272 μm â€" 400 μm) amplifiers. Another objective of this work is to explore the suitability of terahertz waves in biological imaging and sensing. The terahertz amplifiers developed in this work consisted of distributed components such as rectangular waveguides and cylindrical dielectric resonators. In contrast to discrete amplifiers, which are based on solid-state devices, distributed traveling wave amplifiers can potentially handle and produce larger powers. Three different distributed terahertz amplifier circuits were considered in this work. These were based on a) coupled dielectric resonators, b) dielectric waveguides with periodic slots, and c) metallic meandering waveguides. The result of the hot test of the last circuit on interaction with an electron beam energy source yielded an amplification of 12 dB of a -55 dBm, 0.9 terahertz signal over ~1 gigahertz bandwidth. The electron beam acceleration voltage was 4.8 kV and its current was approximately 20 microamps. The terahertz biosensing system developed in this work was used to study the unique interaction of terahertz waves with the chemical and physical components of biological tissues, and the products of biochemical reactions. A terahertz near-field imaging system was also developed to image mouse brain slices, plants, and bug wings. In addition, this work also demonstrated the capabilities and limitations of terahertz waves for the real-time noninvasive monitoring of bioethanol production by yeast cells