ABSTRACT

One dictionary definition says a camera is equipment used to convert the optical image of a scene into corresponding electrical signals. Referring to this statement, this chapter will consider terahertz (THz) cameras as devices that directly record and store images of THz scenes. Emphasis will then be given on technologies that pixel detectors are possibly assembled in 1D or 2D focal plane arrays (FPAs) associated with a readout integrated circuit (ROIC) delivering real-time 2D imaging output. This chapter will attempt to give an overview of such video THz cameras being commercialized or under development. Special attention will be drawn to uncooled microbolometer array cameras, which is the field of R&D activity of the author.