Patent ID: 8704160
Filing Date: 2014-04-22
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for investigating downhole in a borehole traversing an earth formation, comprising: a) a borehole tool including a terahertz radiation source that generates a THz spectrum radiation at a plurality of frequencies expected to be absorbed by solid materials located in the borehole or in the formation and directs said THz spectrum radiation at the solid materials, and a terahertz radiation detector that detects the THz radiation resulting from an interaction of said solid materials with said THz spectrum radiation generated by said terahertz radiation source as said THz radiation passes through the solid materials; b) a database of spectral responses of a plurality of solid material elements to THz radiation; and c) a signal analyzer coupled to said terahertz radiation detector, said signal analyzer adapted to determine from information received from said terahertz radiation detector and from said database a chemical makeup of the solid materials.