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High Resolution Terahertz Spectroscopy with Quantum Cascade Lasers

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Abstract

High resolution terahertz (THz) spectroscopy is a powerful analytical tool for laboratory purposes as well as for remote sensing in astronomy, planetary research, and Earth observation. THz quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) are promising sources for implementation into THz spectrometers, in particular at frequencies above 3 THz, which is the least explored portion of the THz region. One application of QCLs in THz spectroscopy is in absorption spectrometers, where they can replace less powerful and somewhat cumbersome sources based on frequency mixing with gas lasers. Another one is using a QCL as local oscillator in a heterodyne spectrometer for remote sensing. This article will review the state-of-the art in high resolution THz spectroscopy with QCLs.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank A. Tredicucci, R. Köhler and L. Mahler from NEST-CNR in Pisa, Italy, and H. Grahn, M. Giehler, R. Hey, L. Schrottke, and M. Wienold from Paul Drude Institute in Berlin, Germany, for providing QCLs and for many fruitful discussions. R.E. acknowledges support through the Helmholtz Research School on Security Technologies. This work was supported in part by the Investitionsbank Berlin (grant no. 10146488 and 10146490) within the EFRE program of the European Union and the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology (grant no. 50OK1104).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Planetary Research, Rutherfordstr. 2, 12489, Berlin, Germany

    H.-W. Hübers, R. Eichholz, S. G. Pavlov & H. Richter

  2. Institut für Optik und Atomare Physik, Technische Universität Berlin, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623, Berlin, Germany

    H.-W. Hübers

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Hübers, HW., Eichholz, R., Pavlov, S.G. et al. High Resolution Terahertz Spectroscopy with Quantum Cascade Lasers. J Infrared Milli Terahz Waves 34, 325–341 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10762-013-9973-7

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