Micro-integrated terahertz quantum-cascade laser for high-resolution spectroscopy (Micro-QCL)

用于高分辨率光谱的微集成太赫兹量子级联激光器（Micro-QCL）

• 批准号: 468535812
• 负责人: Professor Dr. Heinz-Wilhelm Hübers
• 金额: --
• 依托单位: Ferdinand-Braun-Institut gGmbH, Leibniz-Institut für Höchstfrequenztechnik (FBH)
• 依托单位国家: 德国
• 项目类别: Priority Programmes
• 资助国家: 德国
• 项目状态: 未结题
• 来源: https://gepris.dfg.de/gepris/projekt/468535812?language=en
• 关键词: Micro; integrated; terahertz; quantum; cascade

Quantum-cascade lasers (QCLs) are promising radiation sources for high-resolution spectroscopy with sub-MHz or even kHz spectral resolution for the terahertz (THz) spectral region. The most significant advantages for the application of a QCL in a heterodyne or laser absorption spectrometer are the very small intrinsic linewidths, high output powers, continuous-wave (cw) emission, and a certain frequency tunability. The key objective of this proposal is the development of micro-integrated THz QCLs for high-resolution spectroscopy and future space applications for two frequencies, namely 3.5 THz and 4.7 THz. These frequencies are very important for the detection of the hydroxyl radical (OH) and neutral atomic oxygen (O) in atmospheric research as well as in astronomy. This will be achieved by high-level integration of the QCL chip with the all important optical components in a small micro-optical assembly, not larger than a matchbox. This micro-integrated QCL includes the components for optical isolation, outcoupling and beam shaping, as well as fiber and optical components for laser-induced frequency tuning. In addition, the active medium and the resonator will be optimized with the goal of achieving a cw output power of 1 mW at 80 K with a Gaussian-shaped output beam. The micro-integrated QCL will be operated in a compact mechanical cryocooler and its performance will be evaluated by high-resolution (Lamb-dip) molecular spectroscopy. Heterodyne spectrometers with QCLs have been proposed for NASA as well as for ESA space missions, but so far the low technology readiness level of THz QCLs prevents them from realization. The micro-integrated THz QCL, which will be developed in this project, will be a major step forward for space applications.

量子级联激光器（qcl）在太赫兹（THz）光谱区域具有亚兆赫甚至千赫的光谱分辨率，是很有前途的高分辨率光谱学辐射源。QCL在外差或激光吸收光谱仪中应用的最大优点是具有非常小的本征线宽、高输出功率、连续波发射和一定的频率可调性。该提案的主要目标是开发用于高分辨率光谱和未来两个频率（即3.5太赫兹和4.7太赫兹）的微集成太赫兹qcl。这些频率对于大气研究和天文学中羟基自由基（OH）和中性原子氧(O)的探测非常重要。这将通过将QCL芯片与所有重要光学元件高度集成在一个比火柴盒还小的微型光学组件中来实现。这种微集成QCL包括用于光隔离、解耦和光束整形的组件，以及用于激光诱导频率调谐的光纤和光学组件。此外，将对有源介质和谐振器进行优化，目标是在80k下实现1 mW的连续波输出功率，并使用高斯形输出光束。微型集成QCL将在紧凑的机械制冷机中运行，其性能将通过高分辨率（Lamb-dip）分子光谱进行评估。带qcl的外差光谱仪已经被提议用于NASA和ESA的空间任务，但到目前为止，太赫兹qcl的低技术准备水平阻止了它们的实现。将在该项目中开发的微型集成太赫兹量子激光器将是空间应用向前迈出的重要一步。