Direct frequency measurements of transitions at 520 THz /576 nm/ in iodine and 260 THz /1.15 micron/ in neon
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Pollock, C. R.↗
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Substrate birefringence as a source of artifacts in spintronic THz emission spectra
Terahertz (THz) emission from spintronic THz emitters (STEs) has been extensively studied, both for its potential application in THz technologies and as a tool for probing spin dynamics, conductivity, and crystal anisotropy via time-domain THz spectroscopy. However, substrate birefringence can modify the emitted THz polarization, distorting the measured spectra and leading to potential misinterpretation of the results. While some aspects of substrate birefringence on THz emission have been studied in the time domain, its effects on THz spectra have not been discussed in detail. In the THz emission spectrum from STEs, we observe distinct spectral signatures that depend on sample orientation. To understand these signatures, we use STEs grown on c-cut sapphire and systematically vary the orientation of a (100) rutile TiO 2 window in both pump-through and THz-through geometries to identify the birefringence-induced effects. These findings demonstrate that substrate birefringence plays a critical role in the emitted THz spectrum and must be carefully considered in the analysis of time-domain THz spectroscopy data. We also show that artifacts from smaller birefringence can have a more misleading effect on the THz spectra.
Shrestha, Shreya [Univ. of Delaware, Newark, DE (U↗
Three-dimensional reconstruction of THz near-fields from a LiNbO3 optical rectification source
Terahertz (THz) generation by optical rectification in LiNbO3 (LN) is a widely used technique for generating intense THz radiation. The spatiotemporal characterization of THz pulses from these sources is currently limited to far-field methods. While simulations of tilted pulse front THz generation have been published, little work has been done to measure the near-field properties of the THz source. A better understanding of the THz near-field properties will improve optimization of THz generation efficiency, transport, and coupling. We demonstrate a technique for quantitative spatiotemporal characterization of single-cycle strong-field THz pulses with 2-D near-field electro-optic imaging. We have reconstructed the full temporal 3D THz near-field and shown how the phase front can be tailored by controlling the incident pump pulse.
Gabriel, Annika↗
Modeling of THz Lasers Based on Intersubband Transitions in Semiconductor Quantum Wells
In semiconductor quantum well structures, the intersubband energy separation can be adjusted to the terahertz (THz) frequency range by changing the well width and material combinations. The electronic and optical properties of these nanostructures can also be controlled by an applied dc electric field. These unique features lead to a large frequency tunability of the quantum well devices. In the on-going project of modeling of the THz lasers, we investigate the possibility of using optical pumping to generate THz radiation based on intersubband transitions in semiconductor quantum wells. We choose the optical pumping because in the electric current injection it is difficult to realize population inversion in the THz frequency range due to the small intersubband separation (4-40 meV). We considered both small conduction band offset (GaAs/AlGaAs) and large band offset (InGaAs/AlAsSb) quantum well structures. For GaAs/AlGaAs quantum wells, mid-infrared C02 lasers are used as pumping sources. For InGaAs/AlAsSb quantum wells, the resonant intersubband transitions can be excited by the near-infrared diode lasers. For three- and four-subband quantum wells, we solve the pumpfield-induced nonequilibrium distribution function for each subband of the quantum well system from a set of rate equations that include both intrasubband and intersubband relaxation processes. Taking into account the coherent interactions between pump and THz (signal) waves, we calculate the optical gain for the THz field. The gain arising from population inversion and stimulated Raman processes is calculated in a unified manner. A graph shows the calculated THz gain spectra for three-subband GaAs/AlGaAs quantum wells. We see that the coherent pump and signal wave interactions contribute significantly to the gain. The pump intensity dependence of the THz gain is also studied. The calculated results are shown. Because of the optical Stark effect and pump-induced population redistribution, the maximum THz gain saturates at larger pump intensities.
Liu, Ansheng↗
Terahertz (THz) Wireless Systems for Space Applications
NASA has been leading the Terahertz (THz) technology development for the sensors and instruments in astronomy in the past 20 years. THz technologies are expanding into much broader applications in recent years. Due to the vast available multiple gigahertz (GHz) broad bandwidths, THz radios offer the possibility for wireless transmission of high data rates. Multi-Gigabits per second (MGbps) broadband wireless access based on THz waves are closer to reality. The THz signal high atmosphere attenuation could significantly decrease the communication ranges and transmittable data rates for the ground systems. Contrary to the THz applications on the ground, the space applications in the atmosphere free environment do not suffer the atmosphere attenuation. The manufacturing technologies for the THz electronic components are advancing and maturing. There is great potential for the NASA future high data wireless applications in environments with difficult cabling and size/weight constraints. In this study, the THz wireless systems for potential space applications were investigated. The applicability of THz systems for space applications was analyzed. The link analysis indicates that MGbps data rates are achievable with compact sized high gain antennas.
Hwu, Shian U.↗
THz Radiation Generation to Enable Internal Magnetic Field Measurement of Burning Plasmas (Final Scientific Report)
A one-year experimental program was performed using the Multi-TeraWatt (MTW) laser at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) to investigate the efficiency and physical process of laser-driven—wire THz generation. This process was evaluated as a potential high-repetition-rate source of powerful THz pulses for use in THz pulsed polarimetry of a moderate-density magnetic-confinement fusion concept developed by TAE. The goal was to develop a source for short pulses in the THz regime (150 μm wavelength) containing 10’s of mJ. The campaign tested the impact of Cu wire diameter (25, 75, 160 μm), length (250 – 750 μm), and laser irradiation orientation on THz production efficiency in comparison to 20-μm thick Cu foils. Of these targets, the 160 µm diameter, 750 µm long wires with sharpened tips and irradiated at the base were found to produce the highest energy and shortest wavelength THz pulses, exceeding 2.5 Joule/sr and meeting the requirements for the polarimetry diagnostic. The brightest THz signal was radiated in the direction of the sharpened wire tip. A combination of two models – a traveling wave antenna combined with coherent transition radiation – describes the emission pattern, pulse energy, and spectrum observed in the experiments.
70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
THz Spectroscopy of the Atmosphere
THz spectroscopy of the atmosphere has been driven by the need to make remote sensing measurements of OH. While the THz region can be used for sensitive detection on many atmospheric molecules, the THz region is the best region for measuring the diurnal behavior of stratospheric OH by remote sensing. The infrared region near 3 microns suffers from chemiluminescence and from spectral contamination due to water. The ultraviolet region near 300 nm requires solar illumination. The three techniques for OH emission measurements in the THz region include Fourier Transform interferometry, Fabry-Perot interferometry, and heterodyne radiometry. The first two use cryogenic direct detectors while the last technique uses a local oscillator and a mixer to down convert the THz signal to GHz frequencies. All techniques have been used to measure stratospheric OH from balloon platforms. OH results from the Fabry-Perot based FILOS instrument will be given. Heterodyne measurement of OH at 2.5 THz has been selected to be a component of the Microwave Limb Sounder on the Earth Observing System CHEM-1 polar satellite. The design of this instrument will be described. A balloon-based prototype heterodyne 2.5 THz radiometer had its first flight on, 24 May 1998. Results form this flight will be presented.
Pickett, Herbert M.↗
THz generation by exchange-coupled spintronic emitters
Abstract The mechanism of THz generation in ferromagnet/metal (F/M) bilayers has been typically ascribed to the inverse spin Hall effect (ISHE). Here, we fabricated Pt/Fe/Cr/Fe/Pt multilayers containing two back-to-back spintronic THz emitters separated by a thin ( t Cr ≤ 3nm) wedge-shaped Cr spacer. In such an arrangement, magnetization alignment of the two Fe films can be controlled by the interplay between Cr-mediated interlayer exchange coupling (IEC) and an external magnetic field. This in turn results in a strong variation of the THz amplitude A , with A ↑ ↓ reaching up to 14 times A ↑ ↑ (arrows indicate the relative alignment of the magnetization of the two magnetic layers). This observed functionality is ascribed to the interference of THz transients generated by two closely spaced THz emitters. Moreover, the magnetic field dependence A ( H ) shows a strong asymmetry that points to an additional performance modulation of the THz emitter via IEC and multilayer design.
Adam, Roman↗
An All-Solid-State, Room-Temperature, Heterodyne Receiver for Atmospheric Spectroscopy at 1.2 THz
Heterodyne receivers at submillimeter wavelengths have played a major role in astrophysics as well as Earth and planetary remote sensing. All-solid-state heterodyne receivers using both MMIC (monolithic microwave integrated circuit) Schottky-diode-based LO (local oscillator) sources and mixers are uniquely suited for long-term planetary missions or Earth climate monitoring missions as they can operate for decades without the need for any active cryogenic cooling. However, the main concern in using Schottky-diode-based mixers at frequencies beyond 1 THz has been the lack of enough LO power to drive the devices because 1 to 3 mW are required to properly pump Schottky diode mixers. Recent progress in HEMT- (high-electron-mobility- transistor) based power amplifier technology, with output power levels in excess of 1 W recently demonstrated at W-band, as well as advances in MMIC Schottky diode circuit technology, have led to measured output powers up to 1.4 mW at 0.9 THz. Here the first room-temperature tunable, all-planar, Schottky-diode-based receiver is reported that is operating at 1.2 THz over a wide (≈20%) bandwidth. The receiver front-end (see figure) consists of a Schottky-diode-based 540 to 640 GHz multiplied LO chain (featuring a cascade of W-band power amplifiers providing around 120 to 180 mW at W-band), a 200-GHz MMIC frequency doubler, and a 600-GHz MMIC frequency tripler, plus a biasable 1.2-THz MMIC sub-harmonic Schottky-diode mixer. The LO chain has been designed, fabricated, and tested at JPL and provides around 1 to 1.5 mW at 540 o 640 GHz. The sub-harmonic mixer consists of two Schottky diodes on a thin GaAs membrane in an anti-parallel configuration. An integrated metal insulator metal (MIM) capacitor has been included on-chip to allow dc bias for the Schottky diodes. A bias voltage of around 0.5 V/diode is necessary to reduce the LO power required down to the 1 to 1.5 mW available from the LO chain. The epilayer thickness and doping profiles have been specifically optimized to maximize the mixer performance beyond 1 THz. The measured DSB noise temperatures and conversion losses of the receiver are 2,000 to 3,500 K and 12 to 14 dB, respectively, at 120 K, and 4,000 to 6,000 K and 13 to 15 dB, respectively, at 300 K. These results establish the state-of-the-art for all-solid-state, all-planar heterodyne receivers at 1.2 THz operating at either room temperature or using passive cooling only. Since no cryogenic cooling is needed, the receiver is eminently suited to atmospheric heterodyne spectroscopy of the outer planets and their moons.
Siles, Jose V.↗
Broadband THz Modulation via Solid–State Organic Electrochemical Devices
The sub-Terahertz and Terahertz bands play a critical role in next-generation wireless communication and sensing technologies, thanks to the large amount of available bandwidth in this spectral regime. While long-wavelength (microwave to mm-Wave) and short-wavelength (near-infrared to ultraviolet) devices are well-established and studied, the sub-THz to THz regime remains relatively underexplored and underutilized. Traditional approaches used in the aforementioned spectral regions are more difficult to replicate in the THz band, leading to the need for the development of novel devices and structures that can manipulate THz radiation effectively. Herein a novel organic, solid-state electrochemical device is presented, capable of achieving modulation depths of over 90% from ≈500 nm of a conducting polymer that switches conductivity over a large dynamic range upon application of an electronically controllable external bias. The stability of such devices under long-term, repeated voltage switching, as well as continuous biasing at a single voltage, is also explored. Switching stabilities and long-term bias stabilities are achieved over two days for both use cases. Additionally, both depletion mode (always “ON”) and accumulation mode (always “OFF”) operation are demonstrated. These results suggest applications of organic electrochemical THz modulators in large area and flexible implementations.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
THz Limb Sounder (TLS) for Lower Thermospheric Wind, Oxygen Density, and Temperature
Neutral winds are one of the most critical measurements in the lower thermosphere and E region ionosphere (LTEI) for understanding complex electrodynamic processes and ion-neutral interactions. We are developing a high-sensitivity, low-power, noncryogenic 2.06 THz Schottky receiver to measure wind profiles at 100-140 km. The new technique, THz limb sounder (TLS), aims to measure LTEI winds by resolving the wind-induced Doppler shift of 2.06 THz atomic oxygen (OI) emissions. As a transition between fine structure levels in the ground electronic state, the OI emission is in local thermodynamic equilibrium(LTE) at altitudes up to 350km. This LTE property, together with day-and-night capability and small line-of-sight gradient, makes the OI limb sounding a very attractive technique for neutral wind observations. In addition to the wind measurement, TLS can also retrieve [OI] density and neutral temperature in the LTEI region. TLS leverages rapid advances in THz receiver technologies including subharmonically pumped (SHP)mixers and Schottky-diode-based power multipliers. Current SHP Schottky receivers have produced good sensitivity for THz frequencies at ambient environment temperatures (120-150 K), which are achievable through passively cooling in spaceflight. As an emerging technique, TLS can fill the critical data gaps in the LTEI neutral wind observations to enable detailed studies on the coupling and dynamo processes between charged and neutral molecules.
wind profiles↗
Paratellurite Nanowires as a Versatile Material for THz Phonon Polaritons
Polaritons, i.e., hybrid quasi-particles of light and matter resonances, have been extensively investigated due to their potential to enhance light-matter interactions. Although polaritonic applications thrive in the mid-infrared range, their extension to the terahertz (THz) range remains limited. Here, we present paratellurite (α-TeO 2 ) nanowires, a versatile material acting as a platform for different types of phonon polaritons. Utilizing synchrotron infrared nanospectroscopy from 10 to 24 THz, we uncover the polaritonic properties of α-TeO 2 nanowires, showcasing their dual functionality as both a Fabry-Pérot cavity and a waveguide for surface phonon polaritons. Furthermore, near-field measurements with a free-electron laser as a THz source reveal a localized optical contrast down to 5.5 THz, an indication of hyperbolic bands. In conclusion, our findings complement the repertoire of polaritonic materials, with significant implications for advancing THz technologies.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Ultrabroadband THz conductivity of gated graphene in- and out-of-equilibrium
We employ ultrabroadband terahertz (THz) spectroscopy to expose the high-frequency transport properties of Dirac fermions in monolayer graphene. By controlling the carrier concentration via tunable electrical gating, both equilibrium and transient optical conductivities are obtained for a range of Fermi levels. The frequency-dependent equilibrium response is determined through a combination of time-domain THz and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy for energies up to the near-infrared, which also provides a measure of the gate-voltage dependent Fermi level. Transient changes in the real and imaginary parts of the graphene conductivity are electro-optically resolved for frequencies up to 15 THz after near-infrared femtosecond excitation, both at the charge-neutral point and for higher electrostatic-doping levels. Modeling of the THz response provides insight into changes of the carrier spectral weights and scattering rates, and reveals an additional broad-frequency ($$\approx$$ 8 THz) component to the photo-induced response, which we attribute to the zero-momentum mode of quantum-critical transport observed here in large-area CVD graphene.
Coslovich, G↗
Micromachined TWTs for THz Radiation Sources
The Terahertz (THz) region of the electromagnetic spectrum (about 300 - 3000 GHz in frequency or about 0.1 - 1 mm free space wavelength) has enormous potential for high-data-rate communications, spectroscopy, astronomy, space research, medicine, biology, surveillance, remote sensing, industrial process control, etc. It has been characterized as the most scientifically rich, yet under-utilized, region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The most critical roadblock to full exploitation of the THz band is lack of coherent radiation sources that are powerful (0.001 - 1.0 W continuous wave), efficient (> 1%), frequency agile (instantaneously tunable over 1% bandwidths or more), reliable, and comparatively inexpensive. To develop vacuum electron device (VED) radiation sources satisfying these requirements, fabrication and packaging approaches must be heavily considered to minimize costs, in addition to the basic interaction physics and circuit design. To minimize size of the prime power supply, beam voltage must be minimized, preferably 10 kV. Solid state sources satisfy the low voltage requirement, but are many orders of magnitude below power, efficiency, and bandwidth requirements. On the other hand, typical fast-wave VED sources in this regime (e.g., gyrotrons, FELs) tend to be large, expensive, high voltage and very high power devices unsuitable for most of the applications cited above. VEDs based on grating or inter-digital (ID) circuits have been researched and developed. However, achieving forward-wave amplifier operation with instantaneous fractional bandwidths > 1% is problematic for these devices with low-energy (< 15 kV) electron beams. Moreover, the interaction impedance is quite low unless the beam-circuit spacing is kept particularly narrow, often leading to significant beam interception. One solution to satisfy the THz source requirements mentioned above is to develop micromachined VEDs, or "micro-VEDs". Among other benefits, micro-machining technologies provide superior high frequency wall conductivity as a result of superior surface smoothness compared with conventional mechanical or electric discharge machining approaches. Micro-VED technologies are already being applied to the development of millimeter-wave klystrons at Stanford Linear Accelerator Center and submillimeter-wave klystrons at the University of Leeds. We are investigating the use of micro-machining technologies to develop THz regime TWTs, with emphasis on folded-waveguide TWTs. The folded-waveguide TWT (FW-TWT) has several features that make it attractive for THz-regime micro-VED applications. It is a relatively simple circuit to design and fabricate, it is amenable to precision pattern replication by micro-machining, and it is has been demonstrated capable of forward-wave amplification with appreciable bandwidth. We are conducting experimental and computational studies of micro-VED FW-TWTs to examine their feasibility for applications at frequencies from 200 - 1000 GHz.
Booske, John H.↗
Laser Micromachining Fabrication of THz Components
Laser micromachining techniques can be used to fabricate high-quality waveguide structures and quasi-optical components to micrometer accuracies. Successful GHz designs can be directly scaled to THz frequencies. We expect this promising technology to allow the construction of the first fully integrated THz heterodyne imaging arrays. At the University of Arizona, construction of the first laser micromachining system designed for THz waveguide components fabrication has been completed. Once tested and characterized our system will be used to construct prototype THz lx4 focal plane mixer arrays, magic tees, AR coated silicon lenses, local oscillator source phase gratings, filters and more. Our system can micro-machine structures down to a few microns accuracy and up to 6 inches across in a short time. This paper discusses the design and performance of our micromachining system, and illustrates the type, range and performance of components this exciting new technology will make accessible to the THz community.
DrouetdAubigny, C.↗
All-Solid-State 2.45-to-2.78-THz Source
Sources in the THz range are required in order for NASA to implement heterodyne instruments in this frequency range. The source that has been demonstrated here will be used for an instrument on the SOFIA platform as well as for upcoming astrophysics missions. There are currently no electronic sources in the 2 3- THz frequency range. An electronically tunable compact source in this frequency range is needed for lab spectroscopy as well as for compact space-deployable heterodyne receivers. This solution for obtaining useful power levels in the 2 3- THz range is based on utilizing power-combined multiplier stages. Utilizing power combining, the input power can be distributed between different multiplier chips and then recombined after the frequency multiplication. A continuous wave (CW) coherent source covering 2.48 2.75 THz, with greater than 10 percent instantaneous and tuning bandwidth, and having l 14 W of output power at room temperature, has been demonstrated. This source is based on a 91.8 101.8-GHz synthesizer followed by a power amplifier and three cascaded frequency triplers. It demonstrates that purely electronic solid-state sources can generate a useful amount of power in a region of the electromagnetic spectrum where lasers (solid-state or gas) were previously the only available coherent sources. The bandwidth, agility, and operability of this THz source has enabled wideband, high-resolution spectroscopic measurements of water, methanol, and carbon monoxide with a resolution and signal-to-noise ratio unmatched by other existing systems, providing new insight in the physics of these molecules. Further - more, the power and optical beam quality are high enough to observe the Lamb-dip effect in water. The source frequency has an absolute accuracy better than 1 part in 1012, and the spectrometer achieves sub-Doppler frequency resolution better than 1 part in 108. The harmonic purity is better than 25 dB. This source can serve as a local oscillator for a variety of heterodyne systems, and can be used as a method for precision control of more powerful but much less frequency-agile quantum mechanical terahertz sources.
Mehdi, Imran↗
Development of 3-5 THz Harmonic Mixer
There is a high need for 2 THz room temperaturedirect-detectorsharmonic-mixers to characterize THz opticalsources, phase lock THz-QCLs as LO sources for multi-pixelreceivers, and realize absolute frequency calibration sources forapplications in astrophysics, earth science, and remote sensing.Thus, we have developed a WM-52 (WR0.22) harmonic mixerfor the 3-5 THz operation. The design, fabrication and assemblyof the THz mixer are discussed.
Microwave Devices↗
Near-Infrared Laser Pumped Intersubband THz Laser Gain in InGaAs-AlAsSb-InP Quantum Wells
We investigate the possibility of using InGaAs-AlAsSb-InP coupled quantum wells to generate THz radiation by means of intersubband optical pumping. We show that large conduction band offsets of these quantum wells make it possible to use conventional near-infrared diode lasers around 1.55 micron as pump sources. Taking into account the pump-probe coherent interaction and the optical nonlinearity for the pump field, we calculate the THz gain of the quantum well structure. We show that resonant Raman scattering enhances the THz gain at low and moderate optical pumping levels. When the pump intensity is strong, the THz gain is reduced by pump-induced population redistribution and pump-probe coherent interactions.
Liu, An-Sheng↗