Development and application of cutting-edge THz sources using solid-state laser architectures.

Terahertz (THz) radiation has the potential to revolutionise applications in security, medicine and industry. It has however, been referred to as the “Final Frontier” of the electromagnetic spectrum because of the significant challenges associated with its generation and detection.

While THz technology has progressed dramatically in recent years, there is still a lack of robust THz sources which are compact, frequency-tunable and cost-effective. This project aims to develop new, compact, high-efficiency and frequency-tunable THz laser sources by making use of stimulated polariton scattering, a process which uses both second-order and third order non-linearities.
The THz source architecture is similar to that of a solid-state Raman laser which itself is built upon cost-effective and proven diode-based pump sources and crystalline materials. See A. J. Lee, et.al., IEEE J. Quant. Electron., 49, 357 (2013) for a detailed description of our approach.

This project will explore methods by which the overall THz output power, extraction efficiency and tuning range can be maximised through the use of different resonator designs, crystals and novel extraction methods which involve the use of photonic crystal structures. MgO-doped Lithium niobabe and other crystalline materials will be used to access a variety of THz frequency bands between 1 and 20THz. The THz sources we develop will be applied to demonstrate “proof of concept” for a variety of spectral fingerprinting and imaging applications.

The project will be tailored to suit the interests and strengths of the successful applicant - the project is primarily an experimental one, however there will be also be scope for theoretical or numerical modelling studies.

This project will suit a motivated student interested in optical physics, non-linear optics, and the development of laser sources that can be applied to real world problems.