Peeling adhesive tape emits electromagnetic radiation at terahertz frequencies

J. Horvat, University of Wollongong
R. A. Lewis, University of Wollongong

Article comments

This article was originally published as Horvat, J and Lewis, RA, Peeling adhesive tape emits electromagnetic radiation at terahertz frequencies, Optics Letters, 34(14), 2009, 2195-2197. Original journal article available here

Abstract

An unusual concept for a simple and inexpensive terahertz source is presented: unpeeling adhesive tape. The observed spectrum of this terahertz radiation exhibits a peak at 2 THz and a broader peak at 18 THz. The radiation is not polarized. The mechanism of terahertz radiation is tribocharging of the adhesive tape and subsequent discharge, possibly bremsstrahlung with absorption or energy density focusing during the dielectric breakdown of a gas. The accompanying optical emission is also a consequence of tribocharging.