Intracavity generation of continuous wave terahertz radiation

M. Scheller, A. Young, J. M. Yarborough, J. V. Moloney, S. W. Koch, C. Y. Drouet D'Aubigny, C. Walker

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

We present a terahertz source based on difference frequency generation within a laser cavity. Combining the high intracavity intensities of a dual-color vertical external cavity surface emitting laser (VECSEL) with the high nonlinear coefficient of a periodically poled lithium niobate crystal enables the generation of milliwatts of continuous wave terahertz radiation. As the frequency spacing between the two simultaneously oscillating laser lines can be adjusted freely, the entire range of the terahertz gap can be covered. We discuss different approaches for the wavelength control of the dual-color laser sources as well as emission characteristics of the nonlinear crystal. Exemplarily, we chose the frequencies 1.9 THz to characterize the source in term of the beam shape, the linewidth and power scalability. To investigate the emitted THz spectrum, heterodyne detection is employed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationNonlinear Frequency Generation and Conversion
Subtitle of host publicationMaterials, Devices, and Applications XI
DOIs
StatePublished - 2012
EventNonlinear Frequency Generation and Conversion: Materials, Devices, and Applications XI - San Francisco, CA, United States
Duration: Jan 24 2012Jan 26 2012

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume8240
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Other

OtherNonlinear Frequency Generation and Conversion: Materials, Devices, and Applications XI
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Francisco, CA
Period1/24/121/26/12

Keywords

  • Continuous wave
  • Intracavity
  • Local oscillator
  • Nonlinear optics
  • Terahertz
  • VECSEL

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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