• Korean Journal of Optics and Photonics
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.72-77
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• 2014

We have demonstrated a terahertz (THz) time-domain spectroscopy and imaging system using compact fiber-coupled THz modules. Using this THz spectroscopy system we have measured the absorption spectrum of water vapor in free space over 3 THz, as well as the refractive indices of various substrates such as Si, $Al_2O_3$, and GaAs using the transfer-function method. Through the THz imaging system we have observed a high-quality THz image of a medical knife and metal clip sample, with a resolution of $192{\times}89$ pixels using a step size of 250 ${\mu}m$.

• Journal of Sensor Science and Technology
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.328-334
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• 2018

The paper reviews an improved continuous-wave (CW) terahertz (THz) imaging system developed for nondestructive inspection, such as CW-THz quasi-time-domain spectroscopy (QTDS) and interferometry. First, a comparison between CW and pulsed THz imaging systems is reported. The CW-THz imaging system is a simple, fast, compact, and relatively low-cost system. However, it only provides intensity data, without depth and frequency- or time-domain information. The pulsed THz imaging system yields a broader range of information, but it is expensive because of the femtosecond laser. Recently, to overcome the drawbacks of CW-THz imaging systems, many studies have been conducted, including a study on the QTDS system. In this system, an optical delay line is added to the optical arm leading to the detector. Another system studied is a CW-THz interferometric imaging system, which combines the CW-THz imaging system and far-infrared interferometer system. These systems commonly obtain depth information despite the CW-THz system. Reportedly, these systems can be successfully applied to fields where pulsed THz is used. Lastly, the applicability of these systems for nondestructive inspection was confirmed.

• Current Optics and Photonics
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• v.4 no.4
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• pp.368-372
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• 2020

We report the terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) of transdermal drug delivery in human skin. The time evolution of transdermal nicotine delivery in nicotine patches was assessed by detecting the transmission coefficient of sub-picosecond THz pulses and using a semi-analytic model based on the single-layer effective medium approximation. Using commercial nicotine patches (Nicoderm CQ^®, 7 mg/24 h), THz transmission coefficients were measured to quantitatively analyze the cumulative amounts of nicotine released from the patches in the absence of their detailed specifications, including multilayer structures and optical properties at THz frequencies. The results agreed well with measurements by conventional in vitro and in vivo methods, using a diffusion cell with high-performance liquid chromatography and blood sampling respectively. Our study revealed the ability of the THz-TDS method to be an effective alternative to existing methods for noninvasive and label-free assessments of transdermal drug delivery, showing its high promise for biomedical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications.

• Current Optics and Photonics
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.337-343
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• 2022

Microfluidic chips are new devices that can manipulate liquids at the micrometer level, and terahertz (THz) time-domain spectroscopy has good applicability in biochemical detection. The combination of these two technologies can shorten the distance between sample and THz wave, reduce THz wave absorption by water, and more effectively analyze the kinetics of biochemical reactions in aqueous solutions. This study investigates the effects of different external magnetic field intensities on the THz transmission characteristics of deionized water, CuSO₄, CuCl₂, (CH₃COO)₂Cu, Na₂SO₄, NaCl, and CH₃COONa; the THz spectral intensity of the sample solutions decrease with increasing intensity of the applied magnetic field. Analysis shows that the magnetic field leads to a change in the dipole moment of water molecules in water and electrolyte solutions, which enhances not only the hydrogen-bond networking ability of water but also the hydration around ions in electrolyte solutions, increasing the number of hydrogen bonds. Increasing the intensity of this magnetic field further promotes the hydrogen-bond association between water molecules, weakening the THz transmission intensity of the solution.

• Electronics and Telecommunications Trends
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.59-69
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• 2018

Terahertz (THz) imaging and spectroscopy have been developed as non-destructive testing methods for various industrial applications. However, they have not been widely adopted in real applications owing to a high system price and the large size of conventional THz time-domain spectroscopy systems, which are based on ultrashort optical pulse lasers. Recently, various types of compact THz emitters and detectors have become available. As a result, THz non-destructive test (NDT) systems have become viable solutions. Herein, we briefly review the recent advances in THz NDT techniques adopting continuous-wave THz systems, including our recent results of a THz-based waterproof test system and an electrical connection inspection system for car manufacturing.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.30 no.10
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• pp.2265-2268
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• 2009

Terahertz time domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) is applied in transmission to identify the five forms of modifications of furosemide and one commercial product from 0.3 THz to 1.6 THz at room temperature. The different absorption spectra of the different forms are sensitive to crystal structures. Density function theory (DFT) calculation was used to understand the vibrational modes of furosemide in the THz region. X-ray powder diffractometry (XRPD) was applied to confirm the different forms of modifications. The results demonstrate that THz-TDS is a potential analytical technique in investigating polymorphic forms in the pharmaceutical fields.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Nondestructive Testing
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.299-304
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• 2011

• Korean Journal of Optics and Photonics
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.229-232
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• 2016

Metamaterials operating in the terahertz frequency range show promising potential for use in highly sensitive microbial sensors that are capable of effectively detecting microorganisms in the ambient environment. We were able to detect extremely small numbers of microorganisms by measuring the differential transmission spectra (DTS) of the metamaterial resonances. This was possible because their sizes are on the same scale as the microgaps of the terahertz metamaterials. DTS depend critically on the number of microorganisms placed in the gap area, and their dielectric constant. In addition, these metamaterial microbial sensors are reusable, because the microorganisms can be completely removed by fungicide solution. Finite-difference time-domain simulations successfully reproduce our experimental data.

• Current Optics and Photonics
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• v.5 no.4
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• pp.370-374
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• 2021

Corals are the remains of animals that grow on warm beaches. They have been used as decorative jewels because of their variety of colors, and as medicinal materials for treating cancers, AIDS, and other therapeutic uses because of their chemical elements. Corals are mainly composed of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) and have many air pores, tens to hundreds of micrometers in size. The refractive indices and absorption coefficients of dried sliced staghorn corals are investigated using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy. The measured values are similar to those for CaCO₃, as expected. It is observed that a sample with a microstructure formed by air pores can guide terahertz waves. The dispersion, effective index, and loss of the guiding modes of coral core surrounded by five triangular air pores are numerically calculated. The simulated spatial distribution of the electric field of the guide mode at 1.25 THz shows the mode to be tightly confined to the core.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Laser Processing Conference
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• 2005.06a
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• pp.102-103
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• 2005

Using THz time-domain spectroscopy, we study plasmonic band gaps in periodic metal arrays of slits. Femtosecnd machining system guarantees good quality sub millimeter structures for THz spectroscopy. Fabry-Perot effect enhances the transmission when the two resonances cross but does not alter the surface plasmon peak positions.