Open AccessTurn-key compact high temperature terahertz quantum cascade lasers: imaging and room temperature detection
Author(s) -
Erik Bründermann,
Martina Havenith,
Giacomo Scalari,
Marcella Giovannini,
Jérôme Faist,
Johannes Kunsch,
L. Mechold,
M. Abraham
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.14.001829
Subject(s) - terahertz radiation , optics , laser , optoelectronics , materials science , quantum cascade laser , cascade , detector , terahertz spectroscopy and technology , semiconductor laser theory , physics , chemistry , chromatography
Terahertz quantum cascade lasers have been investigated as a turn-key terahertz source for widespread applications. Two lasers were mounted in a small liquid nitrogen-cooled dewar and combined with a sophisticated pulse driver. We present a detailed analysis in respect to current-voltage characteristics, emission wavelengths, polarization, pulse lengths and repetition rates. We have measured the laser power with a germanium photoconductor and compared the results to a Golay detector evaluating potential artifacts. We have studied mode profiles in the far-field which mirror the internal mode structure. Potential applications have been illustrated by imaging optical elements and a simple test object. Video rate room temperature imaging has been demonstrated in concept.