Portable Terahertz Systems Based on Advanced InP Technology - PORTRAIT
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Essex
Department Name: Computing and Electronic Systems1
Abstract
This work is aimed at creating new types of portable sources and detectors of radiation. These will be handheld, about the size of a normal torch, and will run off batteries. They work in the terahertz (THz) range, this can be thought of either as very high frequency radio waves or as light which is invisible to the human eye. For a long time it has been quite difficult to generate and detect THz, but over recent years people have used large powerful lasers to create pulses of THz radiation. This has proved very useful in medical applications to build up pictures of body tissue, rather like an x-ray, which can show up abnormalities. Other interesting areas being studied include using THz in fossil imaging, analysing chemicals and gases, in security and in astronomy.The work in the project aims to make a new generation of THz 'torches' and 'cameras' which can be carried in the pocket. Making the devices, small, low power and portable, will allow people to use THz radiation in applications like airport security to screen for explosive chemicals or drugs, to look for pollution in the local environment, and even to be used in pharmacies or GPs for helping with diagnosis. Moreover the radiation they use will be very 'pure' and that will help to make very sensitive detection.A feature of the work is to build upon the optoelectronic technologies developed for optical communications systems which provides a good foundation of advanced fabrication techniques leading to high reliability components capable of low power and efficient room temperature operation. UCL, Bath and Essex will work together with the Centre for Integrated Photonics (CIP), to design, fabricate and characterise novel components for THz operation. Leeds will focus on users and applications issues undertaking a detailed comparison between the performances of old and new systems.
Organisations
- University of Essex (Lead Research Organisation)
- TeraView (United Kingdom) (Collaboration, Project Partner)
- National Physical Laboratory (Collaboration)
- Her Majesty's Government Communications (Collaboration)
- National Physical Laboratory (Project Partner)
- H M Government Communications (Project Partner)
People |
ORCID iD |
Ian Henning (Principal Investigator) | |
Michael Adams (Co-Investigator) |
Publications
A Dyson
(2007)
Photomixer for portable THz applications
A Dyson
(2007)
THz generation using UTC-PD with type-II heterojunctions
Cemlyn B
(2012)
Dynamic Transitions in a Photonic Integrated Circuit
in IEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics
Dyson A
(2008)
Comparison of Type I and Type II Heterojunction Unitravelling Carrier Photodiodes for Terahertz Generation
in IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics
Henning I
(2010)
Broadband Antenna-Integrated, Edge-Coupled Photomixers for Tuneable Terahertz Sources
in IEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics
Henning I
(2011)
Novel Antenna-Integrated Photodiodes With Strained Absorbers Designed for Use as Terahertz Sources
in IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics
Henning I
(2009)
Widely tunable optoelectronic source of continuous-wave terahertz radiation
in Electronics Letters
Li N
(2018)
Locking bandwidth of two laterally-coupled semiconductor lasers subject to optical injection.
in Scientific reports
Seeds A
(2013)
Coherent terahertz photonics
in Optics Express
Description | H M Government Communications |
Organisation | Her Majesty's Government Communications |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Public |
Start Year | 2006 |
Description | National Physical Laboratory |
Organisation | National Physical Laboratory |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
Start Year | 2006 |
Description | Teraview Ltd |
Organisation | Teraview Ltd |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
Start Year | 2006 |