Title :
Terahertz quantum cascade lasers and video-rate THz imaging
Author_Institution :
Dept. of EECS, MIT, Cambridge, MA
Abstract :
Based on a robust THz gain medium that rapidly depopulates the lower state using resonant LO-phonons and a novel metal-metal waveguide structure for mode confinement, we have developed THz quantum cascade lasers with many performance records. These include but not limited to: pulsed operating temperature of ~170 K, the highest CW operating temperature of 117 K, long wavelength of ~207 mum, and the highest output power levels of ~250 mW. Using these lasers and a 320times240 pixel focal-plane array camera, real-time THz imaging is performed at a video rate of 20 frames/second.
Keywords :
quantum cascade lasers; submillimetre wave imaging; submillimetre wave lasers; terahertz quantum cascade lasers; video-rate THz imaging; Laser modes; Optical arrays; Optical imaging; Performance gain; Pixel; Power generation; Quantum cascade lasers; Resonance; Robustness; Temperature;
Conference_Titel :
THz Radiation: Basic Research and Applications, 2008. TERA 2008. International Workshop
Conference_Location :
Alushta
Print_ISBN :
978-1-4244-2686-7
Electronic_ISBN :
978-1-4244-2687-4
DOI :
10.1109/TERA.2008.4673819
