Available Technology
Terahertz radiation source for spectroscopy and remote sensing
Technology:
Quantum cascade laser source generating THz radiation
Markets Addressed
The terahertz (THz) spectral range (wavelengths in the range of 30-300 microns) still lacks a compact electrically pumped room temperature semiconductor source. The operation of current THz semiconductor lasers, i.e. p-doped germanium lasers and THz quantum cascade lasers (QCL), is restricted to temperatures below that of liquid nitrogen, thereby requiring cryogenic cooling.
Our coherent THz source can be used for various applications including THz spectroscopy of various materials, remote sensing, as a local oscillator in a heterodyne receiver for radio astronomy.
Innovations and Advantages
Harvard researchers have invented a novel QCL source that generates THz radiation. The novelty of our design is a QCL active region that provides simultaneous lasing at two mid-infrared frequencies. The devices generate ~100nW of peak terahertz power at T=80K, with maximum operating temperatures of 150K. With suitable optimization, this approach may lead to microwatt-power continuous wave THz QCL sources operating at thermoelectric cooler temperatures.
Additional Information
Intellectual Property Status: Patent pending
Publication:
"Terahertz quantum-cascade-laser source based on intracavity difference-frequency generation" Link to the article
Website: Capasso Group
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Inventor(s):
Belkin, Mikhail
Belyanin, Alexey
Capasso, Federico
Categories:
For further information, please contact:
Alan Gordon, Director of Business Development
(617) 384-5000
Reference Harvard Case #2899