Terahertz Geoscience: THz Time-Domain Spectroscopy for Mineral Materials

The chemical composition and crystal structure of minerals are of paramount importance in geology, mineralogy, and materials science. Conventional characterization techniques can often exhibit limitations in resolving subtle differences between the structure and composition of mineral samples, along with the corresponding differences in physical properties. Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy offers an innovative analytical framework for mineralogical research, as the terahertz response of condensed phase materials is strongly influenced by the composition and bulk packing of the atoms and molecules within the crystalline lattice. This Review comprehensively explores the applications of the terahertz technology in analysis of various mineralogically relevant properties, including the observation of characteristic absorption features as a function of structure, such as the role of waters of hydration, the resolution of pore structures, the identification of metallic minerals, and monitoring of thermal phase transitions.