Fiber-based frequency conversion of near-infrared lasers for efficient generation of terahertz (THz) radiation

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This Engage project will pave the way for the development of an efficient portable source of Terahertz (THz)radiation pulses based on a photonic crystal fiber. Such sources of THz radiation are the key components in theindustrial and scientific equipment that is manufactured by the TeTechS company in Ontario. Unfortunately,current method of generation of THz radiation employed at TeTechS uses expensive and fairly complex lasersoperating at 800 nm. The proposed research in this Engage project will allow a laser engineering group headedby Prof Major at the University of Manitoba in close collaboration with TeTechS to address this problem. Thiswill be done by developing sources of THz radiation based on simple and efficient lasers operating at 1000 nm.The short term effort will be directed towards three main objectives: 1) the development of a compact pulsedlaser source at 1000 nm that will enable efficient conversion of its radiation into the 800 nm range; 2) theinvestigation of the the optimum conditions for wavelength conversion of the laser radiation into the 800 nmrange using a specialized photonic crystal fiber; 3) development of a THz measurement setup, followed by thecomplete characterization of the generated THz radiation using the developed laser at 800 nm. It is anticipatedthat the proposed research will prepare the ground for a new generation of compact and efficient THz sources.The simplicity of the proposed concept will provide a user friendly and compact source of pulsed 800 nmradiation capable of delivering broadband THz pulses. The main element of the source, consisting of a specialphotonic crystal fiber, may lead to excellent and reliable characteristics that are a prerequisite for successfulcommercialization, even in the short time span of this project. Finally, the new knowledge generated from thisproject and the training of highly qualified personnel associated with the different stages of this work willcertainly contribute to the Canadian impact on the THz market in general, thus enhancing Canada's globalcompetitiveness in high-tech sector.