Document Type
Thesis
Date of Award
5-31-2026
Degree Name
Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering - (M.S.)
Department
Committee for the Interdisciplinary Program in Materials Science and Engineering
First Advisor
Benjamin P. Thomas
Second Advisor
Ian Gatley
Third Advisor
Trevor Tyson
Abstract
Birefringence offers a promising way to observe stress concentration in materials such as glass and plastic, and thereby to identify weaknesses. Polarimetric imaging can be used to measure the birefringence of material, so long as the material is transparent to the light being used for the imaging. In this research, 2D Terahertz imaging was investigated as a means of measuring the birefringence of plastics that are opaque to visible light but transparent to THz radiation, for the eventual purpose of analyzing the residual stress present. In order to do so, two separate terahertz cameras were characterized for potential use in terahertz polarimetry, along with different optical components and polarimetry setups. The most promising setup was finally used to analyze the birefringence of a 3D printed half-wave plate, to confirm that birefringence measurement was possible.
Recommended Citation
Cohen, Rachel, "Polarimetric terahertz imaging for the measurement of birefringence in plastic" (2026). Theses. 3551.
https://digitalcommons.njit.edu/theses/3551
