T-FIBER Series Fiber-Coupled Terahertz Time-Domain Spectrometer
| Brand | Ekspla |
|---|---|
| Origin | Lithuania |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported Instrument |
| Model | T-FIBER |
| Pricing | Upon Request |
Overview
The T-FIBER Series Fiber-Coupled Terahertz Time-Domain Spectrometer (THz-TDS) is an integrated, turnkey system engineered for high-stability, time-resolved broadband terahertz spectroscopy and imaging. Based on photoconductive antenna (PCA) or electro-optic sampling (EOS) detection—configurable per application—the system employs fiber-coupled femtosecond laser excitation (typically 1030 nm or 1560 nm, depending on emitter/detector type) to generate and coherently detect THz pulses in the 0.1–4 THz range (3.3–133 cm⁻¹). Its all-fiber pump delivery architecture eliminates free-space alignment drift, significantly enhancing long-term measurement reproducibility and enabling robust operation in industrial QA/QC environments or shared academic laboratories. Unlike bulk-optic THz-TDS platforms, the T-FIBER’s modular design supports rapid reconfiguration between transmission, reflection, and imaging modes without realignment—making it suitable for both fundamental material characterization and applied process monitoring.
Key Features
- Fiber-coupled pump beam delivery ensures mechanical stability, thermal insensitivity, and immunity to air turbulence—critical for >24-hour unattended acquisition and field-deployable setups.
- Real-time adjustable optical delay line with sub-10 fs resolution and >3 ns maximum scan range, supporting ultra-long time-domain measurements for low-frequency spectral resolution down to <1 GHz.
- Integrated THz imaging stage with motorized X-Y translation (±25 mm range, 1 µm step resolution) and synchronized data acquisition for raster-scan mapping at up to 100 pixels/s.
- Full remote control via Ethernet-connected PC using vendor-supplied software; compatible with LabVIEW, Python (via TCP/IP API), and MATLAB interfaces for custom automation and integration into production lines.
- Compact footprint (< 60 × 45 × 25 cm) and air-cooled operation eliminate need for water chillers or acoustic enclosures—reducing total cost of ownership and facility requirements.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The T-FIBER accommodates solid, liquid, and semi-solid samples—including packaged pharmaceuticals, polymer films, composite laminates, biological tissues, and coated substrates—without vacuum requirements. Transmission geometry supports thicknesses from 10 µm (thin polymer foils) to 10 mm (ceramic tiles); reflection mode enables non-contact inspection of opaque or multilayered surfaces (e.g., paint layers on metal, corrosion under insulation). The system complies with CE marking directives (2014/30/EU EMC, 2014/35/EU LVD) and meets IEC 61000-6-3 emission limits. Data acquisition protocols support audit-trail generation and user-access logging—facilitating alignment with GLP and GMP documentation standards when paired with validated SOPs. While not FDA-cleared as a medical device, its spectral fidelity (SNR > 70 dB @ 1 THz, 1000 averages) conforms to ASTM E2998–22 guidelines for THz material property quantification.
Software & Data Management
Ekspla’s proprietary TeraScan software provides intuitive GUI-driven control of delay scanning, detector biasing, laser repetition rate, and averaging parameters. Raw time-domain waveforms are stored in HDF5 format with embedded metadata (timestamp, instrument ID, environmental conditions, calibration flags). Batch processing includes Fourier transformation, baseline correction, complex refractive index extraction (n, κ), absorption coefficient calculation, and layer-thickness deconvolution using transfer-matrix modeling. Export options include CSV, MATLAB .mat, and SDF (Spectral Data Format) for interoperability with third-party chemometric tools (e.g., Unscrambler, Python scikit-learn). Software supports 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic signatures and role-based access control when deployed on Windows domain networks with Active Directory integration.
Applications
- Time-resolved THz spectroscopy: Carrier dynamics in semiconductors, phonon lifetimes in quantum materials, hydration shell relaxation in proteins.
- Industrial process monitoring: Real-time thickness control of wet coatings during spray application, inline detection of delamination in battery electrode stacks.
- Hazardous substance identification: Spectral fingerprinting of explosives (e.g., RDX, PETN), illicit drugs (e.g., methamphetamine hydrates), and precursors through characteristic low-energy vibrational modes.
- Pharmaceutical QA: Polymorph discrimination in active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), tablet coating uniformity assessment, moisture content mapping in lyophilized products.
- Agricultural & food analysis: Sugar concentration profiling in fruit tissue, detection of internal bruising or fungal infection in apples and potatoes, lipid oxidation monitoring in edible oils.
FAQ
What laser source is integrated into the T-FIBER system?
The T-FIBER utilizes a fiber-integrated femtosecond Yb-doped or Er-doped laser oscillator (center wavelength: 1030 nm or 1560 nm), delivering pulse widths <100 fs and repetition rates selectable between 20–100 MHz.
Can the system operate in ambient air, or is purging required?
It operates reliably in dry ambient air (RH < 40%). For measurements below 0.3 THz or extended dynamic range, optional N₂ purge or vacuum chamber integration is available.
Is the THz emitter/detector replaceable or configurable?
Yes—systems are delivered with either PCA-based (low-noise, high-dynamic-range) or EO-crystal-based (broadband, polarization-sensitive) detection modules; emitter types (e.g., InGaAs/InAlAs, GaSe) can be specified at order entry.
Does the T-FIBER support automated calibration routines?
Yes—built-in reference measurements (e.g., empty-beam, PTFE reflector) trigger auto-baseline correction and phase compensation algorithms prior to sample scans.
What level of technical support and service coverage is provided outside Lithuania?
Ekspla authorizes regional service partners in North America, EMEA, and APAC regions offering on-site calibration, preventive maintenance contracts, and firmware/software update management under multi-year support agreements.
