Semiconductor laser based THz generation and detection

Abstract

We present different concepts for compact and cost effective THz technology based on semiconductor diode lasers. First, we discuss THz sources starting with modelocked diode lasers for time domain THz sampling, and two‐colour diode lasers for continuous wave THz generation. Then we show how THz radiation can be generated directly out of two‐colour diode lasers and discuss possible schemes for an optimisation of this effect towards application relevant power levels. Finally, we demonstrate that diode lasers can also serve as detectors for THz radiation. We couple the emission of a THz gas laser into the active region of a diode laser and demonstrate that this leads to a variation of the voltage over the p‐n‐junction which is almost proportional to the THz power coupled into the device. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Semiconductor Diode Lasers for Terahertz Technology

“…Recent developments including the generation of THz radiation directly from two-colour diode lasers [88][89][90], the detection of THz radiation with diode lasers [91,92], and the generation of up to 2 mW THz power by intracavity difference frequency generation in an optically pumped two-colour semiconductor laser [93], for example, demonstrate that there is still a lot of potential for further technological improvements.…”

Terahertz frequency generation with monolithically integrated dual wavelength distributed Bragg reflector semiconductor laser diode

“…Photoconductive antennas pumped with semiconductor lasers are promising in realising this goal [1]. This possibility is attributed to semiconductors lasers being compact, efficient and cost effective [2]. McIntosh et al [3] have demonstrated THz frequency generation using semiconductor lasers as pumping lasers for photomixers.…”