Detection sensitivity of laser feedback interferometry using a terahertz quantum cascade laser.

We report on the high detection sensitivity of a laser feedback interferometry scheme based on a terahertz frequency quantum cascade laser (QCL). We show that variations on the laser voltage induced by optical feedback to the laser can be resolved with the reinjection of powers as low as ∼-125 dB of the emitted power. Our measurements demonstrate a noise equivalent power of ∼1.4 pW/√Hz, although, after accounting for the reinjection losses, we estimate that this corresponds to only ∼1 fW/√Hz being coupled to the QCL active region.