Apple Inc.
Terahertz spectroscopy and imaging in dynamic environments with spectral response enhancements

Abstract:

Embodiments are disclosed for terahertz spectroscopy and imaging in dynamic environments. In an embodiment, a method comprises emitting a continuous electromagnetic (EM) wave in a terahertz (THz) frequency band into a dynamic environment. The EM THz wave is reflected off an object in the environment. A spectral response of a received signal indicative of the reflected EM wave is determined that includes absorption spectra at a frequency in the THz frequency band. The absorption spectra is indicative of a transmission medium in the environment. The spectral response of the received signal is compensated for fixed and frequency-specific losses. The compensated absorption spectra is compared with known absorption spectra of target transmission mediums. Based on results of the comparing, a particular target transmission medium is identified as being the transmission medium in the environment. The absorption spectra loss is used to determine a concentration level of the target transmission medium.