All-semiconductor laser driven terahertz time-domain spectrometer

We present a terahertz time-domain spectrometer pumped by an all-semiconductor femtosecond laser system which emits 600 fs long optical pulses at 830 nm. Standard LT-GaAs antennas are used to generate and coherently detect THz radiation with a bandwidth of 1.4 THz. The measured time traces are in good agreement with simulations based on the Drude–Lorentz model. Spectroscopic measurements on polymers with different additive contents as well as THz imaging were carried out to confirm the successful operation of the spectrometer. Our approach holds great potential for the development of cost-effective, rugged and portable THz spectrometers for a variety of applications.     

Spectroscopic measurements and terahertz imaging of the cornea using a rapid scanning terahertz time domain spectrometer

Spectroscopic measurements and terahertz imaging of the cornea are carried out by using a rapid scanning terahertz time domain spectroscopy(THz-TDS) system.A voice coil motor stage based optical delay line(VCM-ODL) is developed to provide a rather simple and robust structure with both the high scanning speed and the large delay length.The developed system is used for THz spectroscopic measurements and imaging of the corneal tissue with different amounts of water content,and the measurement results show the consistence with the reported results,in which the measurement time using VCM-ODL is a factor of 360 shorter than the traditional motorized optical delay line(MDL).With reducing the water content a monotonic decrease of the complex permittivity of the cornea is observed.The two-term Debye relaxation model is employed to explain our experimental results,revealing that the fast relaxation time of a dehydrated cornea is much larger than that of a hydrated cornea and its dielectric behavior can be affected by the presence of the biological macromolecules.These results demonstrate that our THz spectrometer may be a promising candidate for tissue hydration sensing and practical application of THz technology.     

超快太赫兹时域光谱系统

超快太赫兹时域光谱系统是基于高速异步光学采样原理进行工作的,该系统使用2个重复频率可在1 GHz附近变化的飞秒振荡器,并使用高带宽反馈电路控制其重复频率。2个飞秒振荡器的重复频率存在Δf的失谐,一个飞秒振荡器的重复频率是1 GHz+Δf Hz,为泵浦脉冲;另一个飞秒振荡器的重复频率是1 GHz,为探测脉冲,由此提供泵浦脉冲和探针脉冲的时间差,时间延迟呈周期性变化,其扫描周期可以由1/Δf给出。此系统摒弃了传统THz-TDS系统所必需的机械延迟线,采用双光子探测器来产生触发信号。当设定Δf=1 kHz时,1 ms就可以探测出1个THz谱, 用时10.3 s即可得到动态范围为21 dB、频谱分辨率为5 GHz的太赫兹信号。该系统具有检测速度快和频谱分辨率高的优点,在需要快速测量的应用环境中有着传统太赫兹时域光谱系统不可比拟的优势。     

基于太赫兹时域光谱技术的伪色彩太赫兹成像的实验研究

提出了一种伪色彩太赫兹成像技术. 通过引入频域色彩区间积分, 建立了一套基于太赫兹时域光谱技术的伪色彩太赫兹成像系统, 实验分别研究了乳糖和对氨基苯甲酸两种不同白色化学粉末的伪色彩成像和灰度成像, 研究了不同颜色区间定义对伪色彩图像的影响, 讨论了利用不同频率信息成像系统所能达到的空间分辨率. 研究结果表明, 伪色彩成像技术可以将不同的物质信息同时成像在一张太赫兹图像中, 通过不同物质在太赫兹图像中呈现出的颜色差别来区分不同的物质及其分布. 克服了传统的太赫兹灰度成像技术中, 需要多张图像来区分不同的物质的问题, 提高了成像速度, 降低了筛选难度. 利用高频信息进行伪色彩成像, 可以将系统成像的空间分辨率提高到0.4 mm. 伪色彩成像方式可以更直观快捷地显示样品的基本属性, 对于实现太赫兹安检的初检和快速筛选具有重大的现实意义.     

Papyrus imaging with terahertz time domain spectroscopy

Terahertz time domain spectroscopic imaging (THz-TDSI) is a non-ionizing, non-contact and non-destructive measurement technique that has been recently utilized to study cultural heritage artifacts. We will present this technique and the results of non-contact measurements of papyrus texts, including images of hidden papyri. Inks for modern papyrus specimens were prepared using the historical binder, Arabic gum, and two common pigments used to write ancient texts, carbon black and red ochre. The samples were scanned in reflection at normal incidence with a pulse with a spectral range between 0.1 and 1.5 THz. Temporal analysis of the signals provides the depths of the layers, and their frequency spectra give information about the inks.     

Advanced analysis concepts for terahertz time domain imaging

Imaging based on ultrashort terahertz (THz) pulses (100-3000 μm) is investigated. The measured pulses are analyzed and the resulting amplitude and time delay information are compared. An algorithm for discrimination of multiple pulses is presented, which can distinguish several layers inside an object. A new measurement concept is presented, which accelerates the measurement of samples with small optical path differences about two orders of magnitudes. Exemplarily different applications from the field of quality management are shown.     

High-performance fiber-laser-based terahertz spectrometer

We have developed a rapid scanning terahertz (THz) spectrometer based on a synchronized two-fiber-laser system. When the system is set to the asynchronous optical sampling mode, THz spectra extending to 3 THz can be acquired within 1 μs at a signal-to-noise ratio of the electric field of better than 20. Signal averaging results in a dynamic range of more than 60 dB, and frequency components of more than 4 THz can be detected. When the lasers are set to the same repetition rate, electronically controlled optical sampling at a rate of 2.5 kHz is demonstrated, making the system versatile for different spectroscopic applications. Finally, we compare the THz emission spectra of a photoconductive switch that is pumped at 780 nm and a nonlinear DAST crystal excited at 1550 nm. We find that the spectral range of the spectrometer is significantly enhanced at higher frequencies, while the dynamic range remains constant.     

An X-band time domain electron paramagnetic resonance spectrometer

A computer-controlled X-band time domain electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrometer, with a time resolution of the order of 0.5μsec, has been constructed with many of the crucial microwave components designed and fabricated by the Microwave Engineering Group of TIFR. The spectrometer operates either in a microwave power pulsed mode for determination of spin-lattice relaxation times by the saturation recovery technique or in the kinetic mode for determination of the time dependence of EPR signal after laser excitation. It has an automatic frequency control, an automatic phase control and, most importantly, a field-frequency lock which ensures good stability of the EPR line positions enabling signal averaging for extended periods. The constructional details of the spectrometer and its performance in both the modes are described here by reporting results on certain typical systems.     

缩比模型的宽频时域太赫兹雷达散射截面(RCS)研究

本文首次以钛宝石飞秒激光振荡级为抽运源,搭建了国内首套宽频时域太赫兹雷达(带宽0.1—1.3 THz)并进行了基于标准球的系统校正验证.利用该雷达测量了太赫兹波段三种缩比模型的散射时域信号.通过改进后的后向投影算法对模型的轮廓外形进行了成像研究,验证了新型时域散射信号成像机理.太赫兹雷达更高的频率,宽谱的特征和高分辨率成像的能力有望用于隐形外形设计过程,成为新兴的太赫兹散射特征研究平台.     

A novel normal reflection terahertz spectrometer

A method for normal reflection terahertz (THz) spectrometer is proposed. This novel approach makes use of laser induced air plasmas as THz source and receives the normal reflective THz pulses without any THz transceiver and beam splitter. The signal to noise ratio (SNR) of the system is better than 500 and its effective frequency range is 0.2-2.0 THz. For checking the system's validity, we measure the refractive index of a high-resistivity silicon wafer which agrees with the result of the conventional transmission measurement well. The method is useful for the development of reflection THz spectroscopy and makes special advances for the practicability of THz techniques.     

几种油脂分子太赫兹谱分析技术的基础研究

为了探索脂类有机大分子对太赫兹（THz）辐射的吸收特征,以及使用THz对生物有机大分子实现检测和鉴别,使用透射型太赫兹时域光谱（THz-TDS）系统获得了七种植物油、两种调和油的太赫兹吸收光谱,得到它们的特征吸收参数,对比和分析了它们特征吸收峰的差异。结果表明:脂类有机大分子对THz辐射具有差异性吸收,具备在THz波段的识别基础,可通过THz技术进行鉴别和定性分析。     

几种油脂分子太赫兹谱分析技术的基础研究

为了探索脂类有机大分子对太赫兹（THz）辐射的吸收特征,以及使用THz对生物有机大分子实现检测和鉴别,使用透射型太赫兹时域光谱（THz-TDS）系统获得了七种植物油、两种调和油的太赫兹吸收光谱,得到它们的特征吸收参数,对比和分析了它们特征吸收峰的差异。结果表明：脂类有机大分子对THz辐射具有差异性吸收,具备在THz波段的识别基础,可通过THz技术进行鉴别和定性分析。     

Development of a rapid-scan fiber-integrated terahertz spectrometer

Scientists in terahertz (THz) wave technologies have benefited from the recent developments in ultrafast laser technologies and RF technologies and applied these new gained techniques into characterizing a wide variety of phenomena. Undoubtedly, the most successful of these applications has been in the development of time-domain terahertz spectroscopic and imaging systems which has been utilized in the characterization of dielectrics and semiconductors. This pulsed technique has allowed users to characterize dynamical behavior inside materials under illumination with picosecond resolution. Typically pump/probe or similar dynamical measurements require the use of amplified pulses derived from free-space solid state lasers in the $\upmu $ J–mJ range and since interferometric techniques are typically used in pulsed measurements the measurement time of a THz spectrum can last at least tens of minutes. Better systems can be realized based on fiber laser technologies. Here we discuss the advantages of a THz spectrometer driven by an ultrafast Ytterbium doped fiber laser whose repetition rate can be tuned rapidly allowing for rapid dynamical measurements. The efficient gain medium, robust operation and compact design of the system opens up the possibility of exploring rapid detection of various materials as well as studying dynamical behavior using the high brightness source.     

Terahertz electromagnetic waves emitted from semiconductor investigated using terahertz time domain spectroscopy

Ultrafast electromagnetic waves radiated from semiconductor material under high electric fields and photoexcited by femtosecond laser pulses have been recorded by using terahertz time domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS).The waveforms of these electromagnetic waves reflect the dynamics of the photoexcited carriers in the semiconductor material,thus,THz-TDS provides a unique opportunity to observe directly the temporal and spatial evolutions of non-equilibrium transport of carriers within sub-picosecond time scale....     

Analyzing sub-100-μm samples with transmission terahertz time domain spectroscopy

The authors propose a method for the extraction of material parameter and thickness information from sub-100-μm thin samples using non-differential transmission terahertz time domain spectroscopy. The approach relies on an additional Fourier transform of the frequency dependent material parameters to a quasi space regime. In this quasi space, periodic Fabry-Perot oscillations from the frequency domain, which originate from multiple reflections inside the sample, correspond to discrete peaks. By iterative minimization of these peaks, the highly precise thickness information along with the refractive index and absorption coefficient of the sample can be determined. Experimental verification of the approach is also provided.     

Investigations on polarimetric terahertz frequency domain spectroscopy

A polarimetric Terahertz frequency-domain spectroscopy system is presented which has an additional polarization measurement function at the Terahertz band. The achromatic Terahertz waveplate, which acts as the key device in the system, is also presented.     

High power room-temperature design of terahertz quantum cascade laser based on difference frequency generation

Terahertz (THz) quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) are key elements for high-power terahertz beam generation for integrated applications. In this study, we design a highly nonlinear THz-QCL active region in order to increase the output power of the device especially at lower THz frequencies based on difference frequency generation (DFG) process. It has been shown that the output power increases for a 3.2 THz structure up to 1.2 μW at room temperature in comparison with the reported power of P = 0.3 μW in [1]. The mid-IR wavelengths associated with this laser are λ₁ = 12.12 μm and λ₂ = 13.93 μm, which are mixed in a medium with high second-order nonlinearity. A similar approach has been used to design an active region with THz frequency of 1.8 THz. The output power of this structure reaches to 1 μW at room temperature where the mid-IR wavelengths are λ₁ = 12.05 μm, λ₂ = 12.99 μm.     

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of atmospheric methanol using a continuous-wave terahertz spectrometer

We present a specific-window method to subtract the interference of water vapor on terahertz frequency-domain spectroscopy(THz-FDS) at ambient temperature and pressure. A continuous-wave spectrometer based on photomixing was utilized to obtain THz-FDS of methanol vapor in the range of 50–1200 GHz. The distinctly spaced absorption features in the neighborhood of atmospheric windows of transparency were selected to perform linear fitting versus the calculated absorption cross section and obtain the concentration of methanol. Furthermore, the gradually decreased methanol vapor was quantified to demonstrate the reliability of the method.     

Magneto optics and time resolved terahertz spectrocopy

Exploring, manipulating, and understanding new exotic quantum phenomena in condensed-matter systems have generated great interest in the scientific community. Static and time resolved optical spectroscopies after photoexcitations are important experimental tools for probing charge dynamics and quasiparticle excitations in quantum materials. In Synergetic Extreme Condition User Facility(SECUF), we shall construct magneto-infrared and terahertz measurement systems and develop a number of ultrafast femtosecond laser based systems, including intense near to mid-infrared pump terahertz probe. In this article, we shall describe several systems to be constructed and developed in the facilities, then present some examples explaining the application of magneto optics and time resolved spectroscopy techniques.     

Analysis of terahertz waveguide modes in continuous wavelet domain

Conventional analytical methods in the wavelet domain are used to present an analysis of terahertz (THz) waveguide modes.To obtain THz radiation pulses passing through a waveguide,we build a simple experimental system with a 5-mm-long,230-μm-inner-diameter stainless steel waveguide.The single-mode guided signal from the experiments and the multi-mode signal of a similar THz waveguide reported in the literature are analyzed using the continuous wavelet transform (CWT).The results demonstrate that analyzing THz waveguide modes in the wavelet domain not only possesses all the functionality of the traditional THz time-domain spectroscopy (TDS) data processing but also has the ability to unscramble quantitatively and intuitively detailed information about the target samples,such as mode type,cut-off frequency,amplitude distinction,and group velocity.