Quantum cascade laser-pumped terahertz molecular lasers: frequency noise and phase-locking using a 1560†nm frequency comb.

We report the measurement of the frequency noise power spectral density (PSD) of a Terahertz (THz) molecular laser (ML) pumped by a mid-infrared (MIR) quantum cascade laser (QCL), and emitting 1 mW at 1.1THz in continuous wave. This is achieved by beating the ML frequency with the 1080th harmonic of the repetition rate of a 1560 nm frequency comb (FC). We find a frequency noise PSD < 10Hz2/Hz (-95dBc/Hz) at 100kHz from the carrier. To demonstrate the effect of the stability of the pump laser on the spectral purity of the THz emission we also measure the frequency noise PSD of a CO2-laser-pumped 2.5THz ML, reaching 0.1Hz2/Hz (-105dBc/Hz) at 40kHz from the carrier, limited by the frequency noise of the FC harmonic. Finally, we show that it is possible to actively phase-lock the QCL-pumped molecular laser to the FC repetition rate harmonic by controlling the QCL current, demonstrating a sub-Hz linewidth.

Efficient 263 GHz magic angle spinning DNP at 100 K using solid-state diode sources.

The development of new, high-frequency solid-state diode sources capable of operating at 263 GHz, together with an optimized stator design for improved millimeter-wave coupling to the NMR sample, have enabled low-power DNP experiments at 263 GHz/400 MHz. With 250 mW output power, signal enhancements as high as 120 are achieved on standard samples - approximately 1/3 of the maximal enhancement available with high-power gyrotrons under similar conditions. Diode-based sources have a number of advantages over vacuum tube devices: they emit a pure mode, can be rapidly frequency-swept over a wide range of frequencies, have reproducible output power over this range, and have excellent output stability. By virtue of their small size, low thermal footprint, and lack of facility requirements, solid-state diodes are also considerably cheaper to operate and maintain than high-power vacuum tube devices. In light of these features, and anticipating further improvements in terms of available output power, solid-state diodes are likely to find widespread use in DNP and contribute to further advances in the field.

Frequency-Comb Spectrum of Periodic-Patterned Signals.

Using arbitrary periodic pulse patterns we show the enhancement of specific frequencies in a frequency comb. The envelope of a regular frequency comb originates from equally spaced, identical pulses and mimics the single pulse spectrum. We investigated spectra originating from the periodic emission of pulse trains with gaps and individual pulse heights, which are commonly observed, for example, at high-repetition-rate free electron lasers, high power lasers, and synchrotrons. The ANKA synchrotron light source was filled with defined patterns of short electron bunches generating coherent synchrotron radiation in the terahertz range. We resolved the intensities of the frequency comb around 0.258 THz using the heterodyne mixing spectroscopy with a resolution of down to 1 Hz and provide a comprehensive theoretical description. Adjusting the electron's revolution frequency, a gapless spectrum can be recorded, improving the resolution by up to 7 and 5 orders of magnitude compared to FTIR and recent heterodyne measurements, respectively. The results imply avenues to optimize and increase the signal-to-noise ratio of specific frequencies in the emitted synchrotron radiation spectrum to enable novel ultrahigh resolution spectroscopy and metrology applications from the terahertz to the x-ray region.

Terahertz sources and detectors and their application to biological sensing.

Terahertz spectroscopy has long been used as an important measurement tool in fields such as radio astronomy, physical chemistry, atmospheric studies and plasma research. More recently terahertz technology has been used to develop an exciting new technique to investigate the properties of a wide range of biological materials. Although much research remains before a full understanding of the interaction between biomaterials and terahertz radiation is developed, these initial studies have created a compelling case for further scientific study. Also, the potential development of practical tools to detect and identify biological materials such as biological-warfare agents and food contaminants, or of medical diagnostic tools, is driving the need for improved terahertz technology. In particular, improved terahertz sources and detectors that can be used in practical spectroscopy systems are needed. This paper overviews some of the recent measurements of the terahertz spectra of biomaterials and the ongoing efforts to create an all-solid-state technology suitable not only for improved scientific experiments but also for military and commercial applications.