Coherent detection of THz laser signals in optical fiber systems

Thomas G. Folland; Owen P. Marshall; Harvey E. Beere; David A. Ritchie; Subhasish Chakraborty

doi:10.1364/OE.25.025566

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Coherent detection of THz laser signals in optical fiber systems

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Coherent detection of THz laser signals in optical fiber systems

Thomas G. Folland, Owen P. Marshall, Harvey E. Beere, David A. Ritchie and Subhasish Chakraborty

Optics express, Vol.25(21), pp.25566-25573

10/16/2017

DOI: 10.1364/OE.25.025566

PMID: 29041222

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Abstract

Terahertz (THz) coherent detectors are crucial for the stabilization and measurement of the properties of quantum cascade lasers (QCLs). This paper describes the exploitation of intra-cavity sum frequency generation to up-convert the emission of a THz QCL to the near infrared for detection with fiber optic coupled components alone. Specifically, a low cost infrared photodiode is used to detect a radio frequency (RF) signal with a signal-to-noise ratio of approximately 20dB, generated by beating the up-converted THz wave and a near infrared local oscillator. This RF beat note allows direct analysis of the THz QCL emission in time and frequency domains. The application of this technique for QCL characterization is demonstrated by analyzing the continuous tuning of the RF signal over 2 GHz, which arises from mode tuning across the QCL's operational current range.

Optics

Physical Sciences

Science & Technology

Details

Title: Subtitle: Coherent detection of THz laser signals in optical fiber systems
Creators: Thomas G. Folland - University of Manchester
Owen P. Marshall - University of Manchester
Harvey E. Beere - University of Cambridge
David A. Ritchie - University of Cambridge
Subhasish Chakraborty - University of Manchester
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Optics express, Vol.25(21), pp.25566-25573
DOI: 10.1364/OE.25.025566
PMID: 29041222
NLM abbreviation: Opt Express
ISSN: 1094-4087
eISSN: 1094-4087
Publisher: Optical Soc Amer
Number of pages: 8
Grant note: EP/J017671/1 / EPSRC; UK Research & Innovation (UKRI); Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) G064504/1; EP/G03737X/1 / EPSRC; UK Research & Innovation (UKRI); Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) EP/P021859/1 / Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council; UK Research & Innovation (UKRI); Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
Language: English
Date published: 10/16/2017
Academic Unit: Physics and Astronomy
Record Identifier: 9984428787102771

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