Techniques for SMM/THz Chemical Analysis: Investigations and Exploitation of the Large Molecule Limit

Abstract : It has long been recognized that the SMM/THz has a unique combinations of attributes that make it attractive as a basis for sensors. It is also well known that both the scientific and technical base for exploiting these attributes is small in comparison to other more mature spectral regions. This project involves three, mutually supporting, efforts: The first is to study and demonstrate techniques to extend the applicability of SMM chemical sensors; the second is to explore infrared SMM double resonance as a basis for atmospheric remote sensing; and the third is to explore applications made accessible by high power vacuum electronics. Most recently, the high power EIK tube from NRL became available again. With it we expanded the imaging efforts previously reported and incorporated hardware and software that made possible the construction of 3-D images that are largely free of speckle and that did not depend upon critically oriented targets.