Castellano, F, Bianchi, V, Li, L et al. (5 more authors) (2015) Tuning a microcavity-coupled terahertz laser. Applied Physics Letters, 107. 261108. ISSN 0003-6951
Abstract
Tunable oscillators are a key component of almost all electronic and photonic systems. Yet, a technology capable of operating in the terahertz (THz)-frequency range and fully suitable for widescale implementation is still lacking. This issue is significantly limiting potential THz applications in gas sensing, high-resolution spectroscopy, hyper-spectral imaging, and optical communications. The THz quantum cascade laser is arguably the most promising solution in terms of output power and spectral purity. In order to achieve reliable, repeatable, and broad tunability, here we exploit the strong coupling between two different cavity mode concepts: a distributed feedback one-dimensional photonic resonator (providing gain) and a mechanically actuated wavelength-size microcavity (providing tuning). The result is a continuously tunable, single-mode emitter covering a 162 GHz spectral range, centered on 3.2 THz. Our source has a few tens of MHz resolution, extremely high differential efficiency, and unprecedented compact and simple design architecture. By unveiling the large potential that lies in this technique, our results provide a robust platform for radically different THz systems exploiting broadly tunable semiconductor lasers.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
---|---|
Authors/Creators: |
|
Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © (2015) Author(s). This article is distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license. |
Dates: |
|
Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Engineering & Physical Sciences (Leeds) > School of Electronic & Electrical Engineering (Leeds) > Pollard Institute (Leeds) |
Funding Information: | Funder Grant number EU - European Union 247375 Royal Society WM110032 EPSRC EP/J017671/1 Royal Society WM150029 |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Publications |
Date Deposited: | 21 Jan 2016 10:59 |
Last Modified: | 21 Jan 2016 10:59 |
Published Version: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4938207 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | American Institute of Physics (AIP) |
Identification Number: | 10.1063/1.4938207 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:93949 |