The fast development of terahertz (THz) technology holds significant importance in numerous applications where imaging systems are indispensable. Moreover, advanced imaging systems increasingly demand the capability to image transparent objects. This is particularly challenging due to the relatively low efficiency of THz sources, leading to low power in THz systems. Additionally, parasitic reflections in mostly very coherent THz optical systems result in the occurrence of high speckle noise. One of the solutions for the enhancement of the imaging contrast of transparent objects is the application of spatial filtering (SF) methods in the system, which we implement here via the following methods: positive phase contrast (PPC), negative phase contrast (NPC), and dark field (DF). In this study, the authors report the implementation of all three methods in the 4f THz system for relatively long-distance imaging of 1200 mm. The system was tested with the numerical simulation. The detailed analysis of the results allowed for the selection of the recommended size of the spatial phase filter for the implementation of the SF methods in the experimental optical setup. The filter and the object were manufactured using fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing technology. Subsequently, the 4f system facilitating the SF methods was built and examined experimentally. The analysis of the experimental results indicates the enhancement of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) by almost 14 times with the use of the PPC method compared to the system without the inserted filter. Thus, the improvement of the image contrast by the implementation of SF method is unquestionable.
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