Micro-integrated terahertz quantum-cascade laser for high-resolution spectroscopy (Micro-QCL)

用于高分辨率光谱的微集成太赫兹量子级联激光器（Micro-QCL）

• 批准号: 468535812
• 负责人: Professor Dr. Heinz-Wilhelm Hübers
• 金额: --
• 依托单位: Ferdinand-Braun-Institut gGmbH, Leibniz-Institut für Höchstfrequenztechnik (FBH)
• 依托单位国家: 德国
• 项目类别: Priority Programmes
• 资助国家: 德国
• 项目状态: 未结题
• 来源: https://gepris.dfg.de/gepris/projekt/468535812?language=en
• 关键词: Micro; integrated; terahertz; quantum; cascade

Quantum-cascade lasers (QCLs) are promising radiation sources for high-resolution spectroscopy with sub-MHz or even kHz spectral resolution for the terahertz (THz) spectral region. The most significant advantages for the application of a QCL in a heterodyne or laser absorption spectrometer are the very small intrinsic linewidths, high output powers, continuous-wave (cw) emission, and a certain frequency tunability. The key objective of this proposal is the development of micro-integrated THz QCLs for high-resolution spectroscopy and future space applications for two frequencies, namely 3.5 THz and 4.7 THz. These frequencies are very important for the detection of the hydroxyl radical (OH) and neutral atomic oxygen (O) in atmospheric research as well as in astronomy. This will be achieved by high-level integration of the QCL chip with the all important optical components in a small micro-optical assembly, not larger than a matchbox. This micro-integrated QCL includes the components for optical isolation, outcoupling and beam shaping, as well as fiber and optical components for laser-induced frequency tuning. In addition, the active medium and the resonator will be optimized with the goal of achieving a cw output power of 1 mW at 80 K with a Gaussian-shaped output beam. The micro-integrated QCL will be operated in a compact mechanical cryocooler and its performance will be evaluated by high-resolution (Lamb-dip) molecular spectroscopy. Heterodyne spectrometers with QCLs have been proposed for NASA as well as for ESA space missions, but so far the low technology readiness level of THz QCLs prevents them from realization. The micro-integrated THz QCL, which will be developed in this project, will be a major step forward for space applications.

量子级联激光器 (QCL) 是用于太赫兹 (THz) 光谱区域的亚 MHz 甚至 kHz 光谱分辨率的高分辨率光谱的有前途的辐射源。 QCL 在外差或激光吸收光谱仪中应用的最显着优点是非常小的固有线宽、高输出功率、连续波 (cw) 发射和一定的频率可调性。该提案的主要目标是开发微集成太赫兹 QCL，用于高分辨率光谱和未来空间应用，适用于两个频率（即 3.5 THz 和 4.7 THz）。这些频率对于大气研究和天文学中羟基自由基 (OH) 和中性原子氧 (O) 的检测非常重要。这将通过将 QCL 芯片与所有重要光学元件高度集成在一个小型微型光学组件（不比火柴盒大）中来实现。这种微集成 QCL 包括用于光学隔离、输出耦合和光束整形的组件，以及用于激光诱导频率调谐的光纤和光学组件。此外，还将对有源介质和谐振器进行优化，目标是在 80 K 下实现 1 mW 的连续波输出功率，并具有高斯形输出光束。微集成 QCL 将在紧凑型机械制冷机中运行，其性能将通过高分辨率（Lamb-dip）分子光谱进行评估。带有 QCL 的外差光谱仪已被提议用于 NASA 和 ESA 太空任务，但到目前为止，太赫兹 QCL 的技术成熟度较低，阻碍了它们的实现。该项目将开发的微集成太赫兹量子级联激光器（THz QCL）将是空间应用向前迈出的重要一步。