SBIR Phase I: Fiber-Laser-Based THz Sources

这个小企业创新研究第一阶段项目的重点是开发新的太赫兹源模块，该模块基于通过GaSe非线性光学晶体产生的差频。这个第一阶段的项目将专注于利用调q光纤激光器的高功率密度来产生太赫兹光源。这些独特的光纤激光器也可以用于产生超窄线宽太赫兹光源。第一阶段的总体目标是证明具有衍射限制输出光束的高功率太赫兹源的可行性以及在第二阶段完全实施的可能性。对于许多基于太赫兹波吸收检测的应用，迫切需要相干、窄线宽、高功率和低发散角的太赫兹源。这将满足市场对紧凑、便携、高功率、衍射受限光束、窄线宽和超稳定太赫兹源的需求。这种太赫兹源可用于安全检查、无损检测、遥感、分子光谱学、生物医学成像、污染监测，并最终用于目标获取以及跟踪和指向。基于光纤激光的设计也将具有低成本的潜力。

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project focuses on the development of new terahertz source modules based on difference frequency generation through GaSe nonlinear opticalcrystals. This Phase I project will focus on using Q-switched fiber lasers to generate THz sources by virtue of their high power density. These unique fiber lasers could also be implemented to generate ultra narrow-linewidth THz sources. The overall Phase I objective is to demonstrate the feasibility of a high power terahertz source with diffraction-limited output beam and the possibility of being fully implemented in Phase II. For many applications based on detection of the absorption of THz waves, there is critical need for a THz source that is coherent, narrow-linewidth, and high-power and has low divergence angle. This will answer the market requirement for compact, portable, high-power, diffraction -limited beam, narrow-linewidth, and ultra-stable THz sources. Such THz sources can be used for security screening, non-destructive testing, remote sensing, molecular spectroscopy, bio-medical imaging, pollution monitoring, and eventually also for target acquisition as well as tracking and pointing. The fiber-laser-based design will also have potential to be low-cost.