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Condensed Matter Physics

Adhesive tape

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Peeling Adhesive Tape Emits Electromagnetic Radiation At Terahertz Frequencies, J. Horvat, R. A. Lewis Nov 2011

Peeling Adhesive Tape Emits Electromagnetic Radiation At Terahertz Frequencies, J. Horvat, R. A. Lewis

Roger A. Lewis

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.


Peeling Adhesive Tape Emits Electromagnetic Radiation At Terahertz Frequencies, J. Horvat, R. A. Lewis Nov 2011

Peeling Adhesive Tape Emits Electromagnetic Radiation At Terahertz Frequencies, J. Horvat, R. A. Lewis

Josip Horvat

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.