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SLM will replace the mechanical switching of the random patterns in the prototype
single-pixel imaging system and enable fast image acquisition. Combined with the
latest CS image reconstruction techniques, we have made significant advances toward
a high-speed THz imaging system, which will be much faster than the traditional
raster-scan systems and more cost-effective than imaging systems based on detector
arrays.
6.2 Future challenges
The immediate future steps following up the work described in this thesis are to
fabricate new samples for the second-generation THz SLM, and to incorporate it into
the single-pixel THz imaging system setup. The resulting system can demonstrate
high-speed imaging through either switching on the SLM pixels one by one (equivalent
to raster scanning pixel by pixel but without any mechanical movements), or switching
the SLM pixels according to a set of random patterns (i.e., CS imaging). Yet, in the
near future, to render a practical single-pixel CS imaging system, many challenges
still lie ahead.
Besides imaging, other interesting experiments include using the SLM for THz
beam focusing and beam steering, and for diffraction experiments with the SLM
operating in various configurations such as multiple slits or a Fresnel zone plate. For
these exciting applications, the first step is to improve upon the current THz SLM.
6.2.1 Terahertz SLM technology
The prototype second-generation THz SLM described in chapter 5 has a limited reso-
lution, 32×32 with pixel size around Immx lmm. For practical imaging applications,
the number of pixels need to be at least 100 times more. Accordingly, the chip design