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THz and Security Applications, Detectors, Sources and Associated Electronics for THz Applications, Chapter 6 Terahertz Imaging System Based on Superconducting Heterodyne Integrated Receiver
These proceedings have been written in an attempt to communicate the major purpose of the NATO Advanced ResearchWorkshop (ARW), 2013, that is, to bring to light the possibilities of performance, based on the actual level, of the everpromising THz (terahertz) technology, a kind of Araba Fenice, not yet known tomost technical operators, especially its appeal in security applications. To achieve this, the ARWhas invited highly experienced scientists with expertise in THz science and technology and its application areas. We begin with the consideration that the risk of mass murder due to terroristic attacks is on the rise, thus posing a threat for security in the civil and military world. To counter this problem, we look at one of the most appealing, newly emerging, technologies that is based on the THz detection of explosives and other forms of threats. However, operational difficulties (both for THz sensors and sources), especially regarding size, complexity of use, overall cost, and the need of very low temperatures for sensors, strongly limit the application of this technology. To find solutions to these and related issues, we invited expert scientists to present review papers on the most advanced sensors and sources based on THz technology, especially for security system applications. The ARW has been conferred the major task of describing the most advanced technologies, in terms of identifying their operational strengths and weaknesses, forecasting the best technological solutions to overcome the actual operational limits, and suggesting to the NATO SPS (Science for Peace and Security) Division the most reliable ways to proceed for future developments. To achieve a broad evaluation of the above aspects, a questionnaire on various key points with regard to the actual performance and possible future developments in the field of THz science, technology, and applications has been discussed.