Compact Whispering-Gallery TeraHertz Emitter

我们计划设计、制造并实验演示一种毫米尺度的连续波太赫兹发射器，该发射器基于标准的电信兼容红外光泵浦的回音壁谐振器。与现有的基于非线性光学效应的太赫兹源不同，非线性光学现象的增强是通过将光压缩成超短脉冲来实现的，我们的增强机制基于高质量因子回音廊谐振器中的红外光的多次再循环，从而能够高效地产生THz。智力优势：拟议的工作为使用回音廊谐振器从根本上从根本上改善现有THz源的性能提供了一个全新的视角。理论研究深入了解了基于参数振荡和差频产生的回音廊增强型太赫兹发射体的基本转换效率极限。此外，实验工作提供了一个直观的洞察力，以开发适当的太赫兹耦合器和波导的实际限制和解决方案。广泛的影响：拟议的研究的成功将使高性能的医学成像、生物传感、安全筛查和化学识别系统。教育与研究活动的整合：研究活动将招募本科生和暑期实习生，将特别优先考虑女性和代表性不足群体的成员。将开发新的研究生课程，并将在本科课程中加入新的教学单元，通过易于浏览的网页向公众传播我们研究成果的最新情况和教育教程，每年举办两次研讨会，并为高中生安排开放参观和科学演示。

Proposal summaryWe propose to design, fabricate, and experimentally demonstrate a millimeter-scale, continuous-wave THz emitter based on a whispering-gallery resonator that is pumped by a standard telecom-compatible infrared light. Unlike existing THz sources based on nonlinear optical effects, where enhancement of nonlinear optical phenomena is by compressing light into ultra-short pulses our enhancement mechanism is based on multiple recirculation of an IR light in a high quality-factor whispering-gallery resonator enabling efficient THz generation.Intellectual merit:The proposed work presents an entirely new perspective on the potential use of whispering-gallery resonators to radically improve the performance of existing THz sources. Theoretical investigations provide a deep understanding of fundamental conversion efficiency limitations of whispering-gallery enhanced THz emitters based on parametric oscillation and difference frequency generation. Additionally, the experimental efforts provide an intuitive insight to practical constraints and solutions to develop proper THz couplers and waveguides.Broader Impact:The success of the proposed research will enable high-performance medical imaging, biological sensing, security screening and chemical identification systems.Integration of education with research activities:Undergraduate students and summer interns will be recruited for the research activities, special priority will be given to women and the members of underrepresented groups. New graduate courses will be developed and new teaching modules will be included in undergraduate courses, an update on our research results and educational tutorials will be disseminated to the public via easy-to-navigate web pages, bi-annual seminars and open house visits and scientific demos will be arranged for high school students.