Tunable Laser Source and Optical Spectrum Analyzer for the Mid-IR

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This proposal requests funds for the purchase of two state-of-the-art optical components - (i) A Laser whose emission wavelength is tunable in the range 1850-2010 nm; (ii) An Optical Spectrum Analyzer, capable of determining the intensity and wavelength of light emitted from a system in the range 1000-2600 nm. Together these two items constitute a classical transmit and receive optical system. While such systems have been in use for decades for wavelengths ranging from 400 nm to 1550 nm, very few tools exist that are aligned to wavelengths around 2000nm. This so-called Mid-IR region (or in this case the high-frequency component of the mid-IR) is emerging as an important optical window for a range of applications. In this proposal we highlight three applications that will be addressed: (1) Optical communications; (2) Semiconductor Characterization (specifically related to PhotoVoltaic Cells); and (3) Optical sensing of trace gases. The first application addresses the ever-increasing demand for data bandwidth driven by the exponential growth of the internet. We plan to develop devices that can carry information at 2000 nm rather than the more traditional wavelengths of 1310 nm and 1550 nm. The second application will provide a new method for measuring the property of a solar cell known as minority carrier lifetime (the property that dominates the solar cell efficiency). The third application will provide for the development of widespread optical detection of trace gases, particularly with regard to remote areas of natural resource exploration. The equipment requested will be unique within Canada and will allow us to enhance Canada’s reputation in photonics innovation. The equipment will be utilized essentially at 100% of potential up-time, benefiting the training of many tens of graduate students per year.