A customized terahertz time-domain spectroscopy system for phase-resolved measurements of active semiconductor quantum devices

用于有源半导体量子器件相位分辨测量的定制太赫兹时域光谱系统

• 批准号: 407762-2011
• 负责人: Ban, Dayan
• 金额: $ 4.26万
• 依托单位: University of Waterloo
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)
• 财政年份: 2010
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2010-01-01 至 2011-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=472716
• 关键词: customized; terahertz; time; domain; spectroscopy

The external performance of nanoelectronic and quantum optoelectronic devices such as quantum cascade lasers, semiconductor quantum well photodetectors, semiconductor optical amplifier, etc, is governed by their inner workings as described by modal gain, optical loss, free carrier absorption, carrier transport. Without an experimental means of probing these crucial parameters, the chief mechanisms responsible for sub par device performance remain speculative at best. This award provides essential support for the acquisition of needed components and instruments, in combination with an existing mode-lock Ti:Sapphire laser, to complete a terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) system. The THz-TDS system will be used to carry out temperature-dependent, phase-resolved, time-resolved measurements of lasing emission from a terahertz quantum cascade laser with a metal-metal waveguide. This home-integrated system will be a very versatile and enabling tool for different research purposes. The proposed system is particularly an indispensible tool for the applicant's ongoing research projects on semiconductor quantum optoelectronic devices. It will provide vital capabilities to our research on: 1) development and characterization of THz quantum cascade lasers; 2) investigation of internal dynamic processes of quantum semiconductor heterostructures; 3) optimization of terahertz quantum cascade lasers for high-temperature and high power operation; 4) exploration of terahertz amplifiers and terahertz detectors based on semiconductor quantum structures. It will significantly leverage our research efforts in developing high-performance semiconductor components for THz imaging, bio- and environmental sensing application. In addition, it will help extend our research into new areas such as nanotechnology and nanoelectronic devices. Not only does the proposed system fit the most demanding research application, it is a great teaching tool for our graduate students and other HQP. The availability of this THz-time-domain spectroscopy system will enrich the research and education opportunities to our undergraduate and graduate students from the engineering programs.

纳米电子和量子光电器件如量子级联激光器、半导体量子阱光电探测器、半导体光放大器等的外部性能取决于它们的内部工作，如模式增益、光损耗、自由载流子吸收、载流子输运。如果没有一个实验手段来探测这些关键参数，负责低于标准的设备性能的主要机制仍然是猜测最好的。该合同为采购所需的组件和仪器提供了必要的支持，并与现有的锁模钛宝石激光器相结合，以完成太赫兹时域光谱（THz-TDS）系统。太赫兹TDS系统将用于对具有金属-金属波导的太赫兹量子级联激光器的激光发射进行温度相关、相位分辨、时间分辨测量。这个家庭集成系统将是一个非常通用的，使不同的研究目的的工具。所提出的系统特别是申请人正在进行的关于半导体量子光电器件的研究项目的不可或缺的工具。它将为我们的以下研究提供重要能力：1）太赫兹量子级联激光器的开发和表征; 2）量子半导体异质结构内部动力学过程的研究; 3）高温和高功率操作的太赫兹量子级联激光器的优化; 4）基于半导体量子结构的太赫兹放大器和太赫兹探测器的探索。它将极大地利用我们的研究成果，开发用于太赫兹成像，生物和环境传感应用的高性能半导体元件。此外，它将有助于将我们的研究扩展到新的领域，如纳米技术和纳米电子器件。该系统不仅适合最苛刻的研究应用，它是一个伟大的教学工具，为我们的研究生和其他HQP。这太赫兹时域光谱系统的可用性将丰富的研究和教育机会，我们的本科生和研究生的工程项目。