Multiple terahertz beams based on a Fourier grating and a quantum cascade laser

Y. Gan, B. Mirzaei, J. R.G. Silva, A. Khalatpour, Qing Hu, C. Groppi, J. V. Siles, F. F.S. Van Der Tak, J. R. Gao

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedings/Edited volumeConference contributionScientificpeer-review

Abstract

Large heterodyne receiver arrays (~100 pixel) allow astronomical instrumentations mapping more area within limited space mission lifetime. One challenge is to generate multiple local oscillator (LO) beams. Here, We succeeded in generating 81 beams at 3.86 THz by combining a reflective, metallic Fourier grating with an unidirectional antenna coupled 3rd-order distributed feedback (DFB) quantum cascade laser (QCL). We have measured the diffracted 81 beams by scanning a single pyroelectric detector at a plane, which is in the far field for the diffraction beams. The measured output beam pattern agrees well with a simulated result from COMSOL Multiphysics with respect to the angular distribution and power distribution among the 81 beams. We also derived the diffraction efficiency to be 94\pm 3\%, which is very close to what was simulated for a manufactured Fourier grating (97%). For an array of equal superconducting hot electron bolometer mixers, 64 out of 81 beams can pump the HEB mixers with similar power, resulting in receiver sensitivities within 10%. Such a combination of a Fourier grating and a QCL can create an LO with 100 beams or more, enabling a new generation of large heterodyne arrays for astronomical instrumentation. This paper is essentially a copy of our paper in Optics Express.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2020 13th UK-Europe-China Workshop on Millimetre-Waves and Terahertz Technologies, UCMMT 2020 - Proceedings
PublisherIEEE
Number of pages3
ISBN (Electronic)9781728190648
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2020
Event13th UK-Europe-China Workshop on Millimetre-Waves and Terahertz Technologies, UCMMT 2020 - Virtual, Tianjin, China
Duration: 29 Aug 20201 Sept 2020

Publication series

Name2020 13th UK-Europe-China Workshop on Millimetre-Waves and Terahertz Technologies, UCMMT 2020 - Proceedings

Conference

Conference13th UK-Europe-China Workshop on Millimetre-Waves and Terahertz Technologies, UCMMT 2020
Country/TerritoryChina
CityVirtual, Tianjin
Period29/08/201/09/20

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