We perform a comprehensive comparison between terahertz ͑THz͒ time-domain spectroscopy and conventional far-infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy, including radiation source, detector, signal to noise ratio, bandwidth, availability, applications, and their own uniqueness. In terms of signal to noise ratio, THz time-domain spectroscopy is advantageous at low frequencies under 3 THz, while Fourier transform spectroscopy works better at frequencies above 5 THz. In addition, we provide a detailed discussion of the unique features of THz time-domain spectroscopy and its application to dynamic and time-resolved processes.

The critical properties of the S = 1/2 Heisenberg two-leg ladders are investigated in a magnetic field. Combining the exact diagonalization method and the finite-size-scaling analysis based on conformal field theory, we calculate the critical exponents of spin correlation functions numerically. For a strong interchain coupling, magnetization dependence of the critical exponents shows characteristic behavior depending on the sign of the interchain coupling. We also calculate the critical exponents for the S = 1/2 Heisenberg two-leg ladder with a diagonal interaction, which is thought as a model Hamiltonian of the organic spin ladder compound Cu 2 (1,4-diazacycloheptane) 2 Cl 4 . Numerical results are compared with experimental results of temperature dependence of the NMR relaxation rate 1/T 1 .

We extended the bandwidth of a terahertz (THz) spectroscopic imaging system based on two-dimensional electro-optic sampling. By using an optical-rectification emitter, formed by a ZnTe crystal, a high-frequency component of more than 2.0THz was detected. A calibration-free procedure with polarity inversion of the THz beam ensures us precise spectroscopy: the polarity was inverted by rotating the emitter crystal. The spatial patterns of the chemicals were extracted from the THz multispectral images in the extended spectral region.

We have developed a real-time THz imaging system based on the two-dimensional (2D) electro-optic (EO) sampling technique. Employing the 2D EO-sampling technique, we can obtain THz images using a CCD camera at a video rate of up to 30 frames per second. A spatial resolution of 1.4 mm was achieved. This resolution was reasonably close to the theoretical limit determined by diffraction. We observed not only static objects but also moving ones. To acquire spectroscopic information, time-domain images were collected. By processing these images on a computer, we can obtain spectroscopic images. Spectroscopy for silicon wafers was demonstrated.