Terahertz scattering and water absorption for porosimetry

Abstract

© 2017 Optical Society of America. We use terahertz transmission through limestone sedimentary rock samples to assess the macro and micro porosity. We exploit the notable water absorption in the terahertz spectrum to interact with the pores that are two orders of magnitude smaller (<1μm) than the terahertz wavelength. Terahertz water sensitivity provides us with the dehydration profile of the rock samples. The results show that there is a linear correlation between such a profile and the ratio of micro to macro porosity of the rock. Furthermore, this study estimates the absolute value of total porosity based on optical diffusion theory. We compare our results with that of mercury injection capillary pressure as a benchmark to confirm our analytic framework. The porosimetry method presented here sets a foundation for a new generation of less invasive porosimetry methods with higher penetration depth based on lower frequency (f<10THz) scattering and absorption. The technique has applications in geological studies and in other industries without the need for hazardous mercury or ionizing radiation.