5. Outlook and developments

In concluding this article, we have shown the advantages (healthy radiation, high penetration power, beam shaping and guidance, etc.) and limitations (resolution linked to the wavelength used) of terahertz-band hyperspectral imaging. As a result, extremely promising prospects are emerging, based on the use of systems for control and vision through opaque objects. The additional step described in this article represents a quantum leap forward, with the development of a true terahertz 3D scanner capable of rendering complex structures using filtered back-projection techniques (inspired by medical scanners). The physical and technical issues associated with terahertz radiation are far from resolved. Numerous limitations and artifacts remain, and are the subject of intense laboratory research. The next revolution is likely to be technological. The development in laboratories of compact, robust...