Imaging Chip Exploits Terahertz Spectrum

I wonder what image I would get if it went at prime focus on my telescope? Hmmmm!

Probably nothing being the Tera hertz frequency band is still way below the visible spectrum in the region of the lower end of the infrared light spectrum.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromagnetic_spectrum

Yeah, the terahertz range, 0.1mm to 1mm in terms of wavelength, is completely blocked by the atmosphere. Diagram from Wikipedia:

So, the OP would need to attach his telescope to a high-altitude balloon or to a rocket, to get it above most of the atmosphere.

Anytime a new part of the spectrum is opened up for photographic studies, the discoveries are almost always puzzling and amazing.

You could probably see right through your mirror, probably not what you wanted.

"I wonder what image I would get if it went at prime focus on my telescope?"

This area is of particular interest to security applications because;

1) THz waves are non-ionizing and therefore not dangerous for human beings - unlike X-rays

2) THz waves can penetrate clothes and packaging materials, such as paper or plastics, making it a suitable candidate for the imaging of concealed items

3) Many substances such as explosives or pharmaceuticals have characteristic fingerprint spectra in the THz frequency region

http://www.sp.phy.cam.ac.uk/SPWeb/research/thzcamera/WhatIsTHzImaging.htm

Hey look, everybody's nekked...

http://news.softpedia.com/news/Terahertz-Imaging-Sees-Through-Clothes-from-25-Meters-Away-53267.shtml

It would be interesting to 'see' the terahertz radiation produced (via tribocharging) by peeling a strip of adhesive tape from the roll.