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The prospects and advantages of silicon germanium quantum cascade lasers are discussed, from both physical and technological perspectives. A range of Si/SiGe intersubband laser configurations are discussed, for both edge and surface emission. Recent experimental activity on mid- and far-infrared devices is reviewed, and the value of detailed theoretical tools for heterostructure design is highlighted. Steps towards silicon optoelectronic integration are also considered.

Terahertz (THz) radiation occupies part of the electromagnetic spectrum between the infrared and microwave bands. Until recently, technology at THz frequencies was under-developed compared to the rest of the electromagnetic spectrum, leaving a gap between millimeter waves and the far-infrared (FIR). In the past decade, interest in the THz gap has been increased by the development of ultrafast laser-based T-ray systems and their demonstration of diffraction-limited spatial resolution, picosecond temporal resolution, DC-THz spectral bandwidth and signal-to-noise ratios above 10⁴.

This chapter reviews the development, the state of the art and the applications of T-ray spectrometers. Continuous-wave (CW) THz-frequency sources and detectors are briefly introduced in comparison to ultrafast pulsed THz systems. An emphasis is placed on experimental applications of T-rays to sensing and imaging, with a view to the continuing advance of technologies and applications in the THz band.

The terahertz frequency absorption spectra of DNA molecules reflect low-frequency internal helical vibrations involving rigidly bound subgroups that are connected by the weakest bonds, including the hydrogen bonds of the DNA base pairs, and/or non-bonded interactions. Although numerous difficulties make the direct identification of terahertz phonon modes in biological materials very challenging, recent studies have shown that such measurements are both possible and useful. Spectra of different DNA samples reveal a large number of modes and a reasonable level of sequence-specific uniqueness. This chapter utilizes computational methods for normal mode analysis and theoretical spectroscopy to predict the low-frequency vibrational absorption spectra of short artificial DNA and RNA. Here the experimental technique is described in detail, including the procedure for sample preparation. Careful attention was paid to the possibility of interference or etalon effects in the samples, and phenomena were clearly differentiated from the actual phonon modes. The results from Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy of DNA macromolecules and related biological materials in the terahertz frequency range are presented. In addition, a strong anisotropy of terahertz characteristics is demonstrated. Detailed tests of the ability of normal mode analysis to reproduce RNA vibrational spectra are also conducted. A direct comparison demonstrates a correlation between calculated and experimentally observed spectra of the RNA polymers, thus confirming that the fundamental physical nature of the observed resonance structure is caused by the internal vibration modes in the macromolecules. Application of artificial neural network analysis for recognition and discrimination between different DNA molecules is discussed.

THz time domain spectroscopy of biomolecules was performed to determine applicability of the technique for chemical and conformational identification of biomolecules. Measurements were performed on samples of DNA, bovine serum albumin, collagen, hen egg white lysozyme, myoglobin, and bacteriorhodopsin as a function of temperature, hydration and photoexcitation. The results are compared to normal mode calculations. We demonstrate a clear resemblance of the observed broad and near featureless THz absorbance spectrum to the calculated density of normal modes. While the magnitude of the absorbance and the center of the broad response depends on biomolecular species, unique chemical identification would appear challenging. The observed dependence on hydration is in agreement with mass and dielectric loading, and the dependence on temperature is in agreement with decreasing conformational flexibility with reduced temperature. Finally THz absorbance dependence on the biomolecular conformation and mutation is demonstrated for bacteriorhodopsin.

Semiconductor solid-state lasers based on conduction-valence band recombination are now commonplace for low-power red emission, and are available commercially at nearly continuous wavelengths throughout the near-UV and near-IR communications bands. Furthermore, new lasers and broadband spontaneous emission sources are available through a wide wavelength range, including 3-8μm based on both conduction-valence band and intersubband transitions, and up to 70μm using cascaded intersubband transitions. Competing processes make the design of these semiconductor lasers extremely difficult when extended to the very long, 300μm wavelength regime corresponding to low terahertz frequencies. We discuss material and device-design considerations for extending semiconductor lasers to this regime. We suggest a new set of device structures based on a semiconductor quantum dot (QD) gain medium, where the lasing occurs through discrete conduction states. In one implementation, two QDs are coupled to make a coupled-asymmetric quantum dot (CAD) laser. In another implementation, an ensemble of non-coupled QDs is selectively placed in a high quality cavity, called a microdisk, which is resonant with an intersublevel QD transition. We demonstrate the initial fabrication of these structures.

Photon assisted transport, dynamic localization and absolute negative conductance appear in the terahertz photoconductivity in semiconductor quantum structures and are close analogs of quasi-particle transport in microwave irradiated superconducting junctions. By embedding superlattice devices in quasi-optical arrays and integrating them into terahertz cavities, the dynamical conductance of electrically biased superlattices can be measured. Models including the complications of electric field domains can account for the results in a semi quantitative manner. Uniform electrically biased superlattices appear to be potentially important as a terahertz gain medium.

By mixing two infrared radiations near 1 μm in a 47-mm-long GaSe crystal, we efficiently generated a monochromatic radiation which has frequency tunability from 4.51 THz down to 53 GHz. The highest peak power produced by us is 389 W at 203 μm (1.48 THz), which corresponds to the photon conversion efficiency of 19% (the power conversion efficiency of 0.098%).

Biomolecules such as DNA and proteins exhibit a wealth of modes in the Terahertz (THz) range from the rotational, vibrational and stretching modes of biomolecules. Many materials such as drywall that are opaque to human eyes are transparent to THz. Therefore, it can be used as a powerful tool for biomolecular sensing, biomedical analysis and through-the-wall imaging. Experiments were carried out to study the absorption of various materials including DNA and see-through imaging of drywall using FTIR spectrometer and Time Domain Spectroscopy (TDS) system.

We present the experimental development and characterization of GaN ballistic diodes for THz operation. Fabricated devices have been described and gathered experimental data is discussed. The major problem addressed is the domination of the parasitic resistances which significantly reduce the accelerating electric field across the ballistic region (intrinsic layer).

We apply THz imaging technology to evaluate fire damage to a variety of carbon fiber composite samples. The majority of carbon fiber materials have polarization-dependent reflectivities in the THz frequency range, and we show how the polarization dependence changes versus the burn damage level. Additionally, time domain information acquired through a THz time-domain spectroscopy (TDS) system provides further information with which to characterize the damage. The technology is discussed in terms of non-destructive testing applications to the defense and aerospace industries.

We report the sensing and imaging of explosive related chemical and bio-chemical materials by using terahertz time domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) at standoff distance. The 0.82 THz absorption peak of RDX is observed at a distance up to 30 m away from the emitter and receiver. Multiple absorption features of RDX, 2,4-DNT and Glutamic Acid are identified by using a large scale 2-D imaging system. These results support the feasibility of using THz-TDS technique in remote sensing and detection of chemical materials.

We report the first systematic study of broadband THz wave generation with ambient air as the nonlinear media. Generation of pulsed THz waves with mixing the fundamental and the second harmonic beams in air has been previously demonstrated by Cook et al. and Hartmut et al. while different groups obtained different results. To verify the proposed mechanism of strong THz wave generation, we measured dependence of generated THz field on the polarization, amplitude and phase of the individually controlled two beams. Our results confirm that four-wave-mixing rectification is the major mechanism this phenomenon, and the amplitude and polarity of generated THz wave can be controlled by the relative phase of the beams. This work is significant by providing the feasibility of THz wave generation and detection with a standoff distance greater than 50 meters.

We demonstrate a large area time domain terahertz (THz) imaging system capable of scanning 1 meter square area in less than 20-100 minutes for several security applications. The detection of concealed explosives; metallic and non-metallic weapons (such as ceramic, plastic or composite guns and knives); and flammables in luggage, packages and personnel has been demonstrated. Transmission mode images of luggage containing threat items are discussed. Reflection mode images of luggage and personnel are discussed. Time domain THz images can be analyzed for 3 dimensional and volumetric information. Time domain THz images have advantages over coherent narrow band imaging methods, with freedom from interference artifacts and with greater ability to discard irrelevant or intervening reflections through time discrimination.

Terahertz radiation, which lies between microwave and infrared, has been shown to have the potential to use very low levels of this non-ionising radiation to detect and identify objects, such as weapons and explosives, hidden under clothing. This paper describes recent work on the development of prototype systems using terahertz to provide new capabilities in people screening. In particular, it explores how multi-spectral terahertz imaging and the use of both specularly reflected and scattered terahertz radiation can enhance the detection of threat objects.

There are occasions when identification of individuals in civil clothes or uniform may be necessary. In such a case, the ability of terahertz radiation to react to different configuration of, for example, plastic objects, such as tablets, etc. may be used to give a warning sign if the approaching subject is foreign, be he or she in uniform (the one that looks like your own) or in civil clothes. The identification gives an advantage of “checking the credentials” without asking for them. This feature may be especially useful when a military detachment is located close to the adversary occupied territory. The idea for such an identification device came from real situations similar to those that have taken place in Iraq, etc. The code for identification is built in the password tablet. The tablet coatings are semi-transparent to the THz radiation and do not scatter it significantly. The THz pulses, incident on the tablet surface, penetrate through the different coating layers. At each interface a portion of the pulse is reflected back to the detector. The amplitude of the reflected radiation is recorded as a function of time. The resulting pattern is compared with the password.

Experimental results of homodyne terahertz interferometric 1-D and 2-D imaging are presented. The reconstructed images of a point source are in a good agreement with theoretical predictions. The performance of an N element detector array is imitated by only one detector placed at N positions. Continuous waves at 0.25-0.3 THz are used to detect a metal object behind a barrier. 1-D images of a C-4 sample have been obtained at several terahertz frequencies. Focusing issues of 2-D imaging have been demonstrated. The terahertz interferometric imaging method can be used in defense and security applications to detect concealed weapons, explosives as well as chemical and biological agents.

Many of the functionally relevant collective vibrations of proteins and other biopolymers are expected to occur at terahertz frequencies. Precise absorption measurements combined with careful titration of biopolymers in water have allowed us to directly measure the terahertz absorption spectra associated with these motions, despite the strong background absorption of the solvent. We have also explored the circular dichroism spectroscopy of biomolecules over this same frequency range. Since circular dichroism requires the presence of net chirality in a molecule and chirality is present in nearly all biomaterial, it has the potential to capture the background free spectral features in biopolymers. To undertake these studies we have developed a broad band terahertz spectrometer suitable for both direct absorption and circular dichroism measurements of proteins in water between 0.75 – 3.72 THz. Direct terahertz absorption spectra of prototypical proteins bovine serum albumin (BSA) and hen egg white lysozyme have been documented and are described here. We have also successfully demonstrated the magnetic circular dichroism in semiconductors, and placed an upper bound on the terahertz circular dichroism signature of solvated BSA. In the terahertz frequency range, it appears that circular dichroism signatures are exceedingly small and detection remains a challenge.

A high mobility two-dimensional electron system exhibits large changes in the resistance, and zero-resistance states, under microwave and Terahertz excitation. We describe associated experimental results and the possibility of using this system as a radiation detector.

In this paper we explore the design of microwave-based structures that can enhance the interaction of electromagnetic fields with cold-atom ensembles, leading to novel sensing modalities based on the quantum-mechanical behavior of these systems. In particular, we discuss electromagnetically-induced transparency in a single uncondensed cold-atom cloud, and a two-cloud version of a SQUID, where the clouds are BEC's and take the place of the weakly coupled superconductors. These systems are both promising candidates for use in the high-precision detection of chemical contaminants.

Indium nitride (InN) is identified as a promising terahertz (THz) emitter based on the optical and electronic properties of high quality In- and N-face samples. Time domain THz spectroscopy has been employed to measure the pump wavelength and background carrier concentration dependence of THz emission from InN. There is no discernable difference between the In- and N-face InN samples, as expected for the improved crystalline quality and concomitant low background electron density and high mobility for both polarities. While there is only a weak dependence of THz signal on pump wavelength from 800 nm to 1500 nm, there is a strong dependence on background electron density. Modeling shows that the dominant mechanism for THz generation in bulk InN is the current associated with the diffusion of the photo-generated electrons at elevated electron temperature (photo-Dember effect) and the redistribution of the background electrons under drift, with larger screening from the higher mobility electrons as compared to holes. Compensation or p-type doping in conjunction with manipulation of the large internal electric fields in InN/InGaN nanostructures should lead to significant improvements in THz emitters.