Feedhorn-integrated THz QCL local oscillators for the LOCUS atmospheric sounder

Valavanis, A orcid.org/0000-0001-5565-0463, Henry, M, Han, Y orcid.org/0000-0003-2141-3077 et al. (9 more authors) (2016) Feedhorn-integrated THz QCL local oscillators for the LOCUS atmospheric sounder. In: 2016 41st International Conference on Infrared, Millimeter, and Terahertz waves (IRMMW-THz). 41st International Conference on Infrared, Millimeter and Terahertz Waves, 25-30 Sep 2016, Copenhagen, Denmark. IEEE . ISBN 9781467384858

Abstract

The LOCUS atmospheric sounder is a satellite-borne THz radiometer concept, for studying molecular species in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere. We report waveguide-integrated THz quantum-cascade lasers for use as 3.5 THz local oscillators. A waveguide-integration scheme, using an integrated diagonal feedhorn significantly improves power outcoupling. 1.3 mW THz emission is demonstrated in a space-qualified Stirling cryocooler at 57 K, with ∼15° beam divergence.

Metadata

Authors/Creators:

Valavanis, A https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5565-0463
Henry, M
Han, Y https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2141-3077
Auriacombe, O
Dong, R
Rawlings, T
Li, LH
Oldfield, M
Brewster, N
Davies, AG https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1987-4846
Ellison, BN
Linfield, EH

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Keywords:

Quantum cascade lasers; Optical waveguides; Waveguide lasers; Rectangular waveguides; Temperature measurement; Power generation; Terrestrial atmosphere

Dates: