Open AccessCompact and low-cost THz QTDS system
Author(s) -
T. Probst,
Arno Rehn,
Martín Koch
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.23.021972
Subject(s) - optics , computer science , terahertz radiation , stepper , generator (circuit theory) , amplifier , controller (irrigation) , computer hardware , electrical engineering , physics , telecommunications , engineering , power (physics) , agronomy , bandwidth (computing) , quantum mechanics , biology
We present a terahertz quasi time domain spectroscopy (QTDS) system setup which is improved regarding cost and compactness. The diode laser is mounted directly onto the optical delay line, making the optical setup more compact. The system is operated using a Raspberry Pi and an additional sound card. This combination replaces the desktop/laptop computer, the lock-in-amplifier, the stage controller and the signal generator. We examined not only a commercially available stepper motor driven delay line, but also the repurposed internal mechanics from a DVD drive. We characterize the performance of the new system concept.