This is followed by sections focused on specific areas of application: polymers ( Section 3), paint and coatings ( Section 4), pharmaceuticals ( Section 5), electronics ( Section 6), petrochemicals ( Section 7), gas sensing ( Section 8), and paper and wood ( Section 9). Section 2 is a brief description of the most widely used THz technologies. In this paper, we present a review of some of the more prominent and potentially promising demonstrators of THz sensing in industry. In particular, many deployments address thickness measurements of polymer structures and coatings. Since THz sensing is an optical technique, it is natural that the great majority of envisaged industrial applications pertain to forms of non-destructive testing and condition monitoring. Īt the time of writing, there are some existing industrial installations and several ongoing field trials of THz sensors much development work is proceeding apace. Hochrein (2015, slope of enlightenment) carried out market research, concluding that THz technologies will continue to grow in acceptance and usage, albeit primarily in specialised RD and measurement labs, and in a recent report (2019, approaching productivity) Frost and Sullivan included THz sensors as one of the top 50 emerging technologies. Armstrong (2012, the trough) in a paper notably titled “The Truth about Terahertz” underscored the difficulties and barriers to THz applicability.

Stöhr (2009, beginning of disillusionment) highlighted the potential, yet with a note of caution, acknowledging the challenges of implementation. Siegel and Schmuttenmaer (20, at the peak of hype) enthusiastically highlighted the possibilities and promise of THz technologies. The following publications well illustrate this development. The Gartner Hype Cycle, TRL evolution, and the current envisaged position of THz technologies.

Bubble blaze level 190