Coherent detection and manipulation of terahertz quantum cascade lasers
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Leeds
Department Name: Electronic and Electrical Engineering
Abstract
The terahertz (THz) region of the electromagnetic spectrum spans the frequency range between microwaves and the mid-infrared. Historically, this is the most illusive and least-explored region of the spectrum, predominantly owing to the lack of suitable laboratory sources of THz frequency radiation, particularly high-power, compact, room-temperature solid-state devices. Nevertheless, over the past decade, THz frequency radiation has attracted much interest for the development of new imaging and spectroscopy technologies, owing to its ability to discriminate samples chemically, to identify changes in crystalline structure, and to penetrate dry materials enabling sub-surface or concealed sample investigation.
One of the most significant recent developments within the field of THz photonics has been the THz quantum cascade laser (TQCL). These high-power compact semiconductor sources have opened up a host of new opportunities in the field of THz photonics and have attracted significant research interest world-wide. However, there is the need to develop techniques for measurement of the phase of the radiation field emitted from TQCLs, thereby providing a complementary technology to currently established incoherent detection schemes. Furthermore, there is a need to explore fully the advances that can be made through control and manipulation of the phase of the THz field emitted by TQCLs.
My vision is to initiate a range of research programmes with the aim of probing, manipulating and utilising the coherent nature of TQCL radiation. This will lay the foundations for a wealth of research opportunities in THz photonics, as well as facilitating the exploitation of THz technology for fundamental science and also for real-world applications.
I will develop both optical and electronic techniques for coherent detection/measurement of the field emitted by TQCLs. One means of achieving optical coherent detection is through the up-conversion of the phase and amplitude of the THz field into the near-infrared band with an electro-optic (EO) crystal. This approach will also allow the large field amplitudes and narrow line-widths of TQCLs to be exploited, enabling QCL radiation to be sampled using a broad-area EO crystal and a standard optical CCD. This will open up a significant range of opportunities for exploiting well developed visible/near infrared detector and CCD technologies within THz science. In parallel, I will develop coherent detection techniques by down-conversion of the THz field to radio frequencies. I will accomplish this through heterodyne phase-locking the fields from two TQCLs using a Schottky diode.
I will investigate coherent detection using self-mixing in TQCLs. This method relies on sensing junction voltage perturbations induced by feedback of the radiation field into the TQCL cavity, enabling coherent detection of the field using a single TQCL device as both source and detector. Using this approach, linewidth narrowing in TQCLs will be investigated, as well as techniques for three-dimensional 'detector-less' imaging and tomography.
I will also establish a programme concentrating on the radio-frequency control and manipulation of the THz field through the use of dynamic and static gratings, generated and controlled via the interaction of surface acoustic waves (SAWs) with TQCL devices. This approach will be used to provide a non-contact means to apply a potential modulation to TQCL devices, thereby providing a distributed feedback mechanism for the THz wave. As part of this I will develop TQCLs with reduced active regions thicknesses and TQCL mesa structures.
The combination of all these technologies will be combined to demonstrate the first 2D phase-sensitive THz tomography system using QCLs, the first full-field imaging system combining TQCLs and commercial CCD technology, and high-resolution THz gas spectroscopy.
One of the most significant recent developments within the field of THz photonics has been the THz quantum cascade laser (TQCL). These high-power compact semiconductor sources have opened up a host of new opportunities in the field of THz photonics and have attracted significant research interest world-wide. However, there is the need to develop techniques for measurement of the phase of the radiation field emitted from TQCLs, thereby providing a complementary technology to currently established incoherent detection schemes. Furthermore, there is a need to explore fully the advances that can be made through control and manipulation of the phase of the THz field emitted by TQCLs.
My vision is to initiate a range of research programmes with the aim of probing, manipulating and utilising the coherent nature of TQCL radiation. This will lay the foundations for a wealth of research opportunities in THz photonics, as well as facilitating the exploitation of THz technology for fundamental science and also for real-world applications.
I will develop both optical and electronic techniques for coherent detection/measurement of the field emitted by TQCLs. One means of achieving optical coherent detection is through the up-conversion of the phase and amplitude of the THz field into the near-infrared band with an electro-optic (EO) crystal. This approach will also allow the large field amplitudes and narrow line-widths of TQCLs to be exploited, enabling QCL radiation to be sampled using a broad-area EO crystal and a standard optical CCD. This will open up a significant range of opportunities for exploiting well developed visible/near infrared detector and CCD technologies within THz science. In parallel, I will develop coherent detection techniques by down-conversion of the THz field to radio frequencies. I will accomplish this through heterodyne phase-locking the fields from two TQCLs using a Schottky diode.
I will investigate coherent detection using self-mixing in TQCLs. This method relies on sensing junction voltage perturbations induced by feedback of the radiation field into the TQCL cavity, enabling coherent detection of the field using a single TQCL device as both source and detector. Using this approach, linewidth narrowing in TQCLs will be investigated, as well as techniques for three-dimensional 'detector-less' imaging and tomography.
I will also establish a programme concentrating on the radio-frequency control and manipulation of the THz field through the use of dynamic and static gratings, generated and controlled via the interaction of surface acoustic waves (SAWs) with TQCL devices. This approach will be used to provide a non-contact means to apply a potential modulation to TQCL devices, thereby providing a distributed feedback mechanism for the THz wave. As part of this I will develop TQCLs with reduced active regions thicknesses and TQCL mesa structures.
The combination of all these technologies will be combined to demonstrate the first 2D phase-sensitive THz tomography system using QCLs, the first full-field imaging system combining TQCLs and commercial CCD technology, and high-resolution THz gas spectroscopy.
Planned Impact
The potential impact of the proposed programme is far-reaching and would encompass academic, economic and societal aspects.
Academics, both in the UK and internationally, will benefit in the short-medium term (1-5 years) through the scientific advancements and technological developments accomplished by the proposed research. Specifically, these include: Achieving greater understanding of semiconductor lasers and detectors, the development of terahertz (THz) quantum cascade laser (TQCL) technology, the development of THz systems applicable to a wide range of research areas across the physical, chemical and biological sciences, the development of novel coherent detection and measurement techniques for TQCLs, as well as facilitating the exploitation of well-developed visible/near-infrared technologies in THz science. In addition, this programme will lead to longer-term economic impacts through the training of PhD researchers and undergraduate students in semiconductor fabrication techniques, laser photonics, and system development skills that will be directly transferable to careers in high-technology industries including telecommunications. This programme will also enhance the reputation of the University of Leeds as an international research institute, thereby improving the UK's competitiveness.
However, the impact of this programme goes far beyond this. Owing to the unique properties of THz radiation, THz systems have many potential application areas outside of academia including pharmaceutical process monitoring, airport security screening, chemical sensing, industrial inspection, non-destructive testing, and medical imaging. As such, high-technology engineering companies in the UK will benefit in the medium-long term (5-10 years) through the development of THz imaging, tomography and spectroscopy systems based on TQCL technology within this proposed programme of work. An example of such a company is Teraview, who supply Ti:sapphire-based spectroscopy systems to the pharmaceutical sector, where they are used to characterise polymorphs of drugs during development and production cycles. The technological developments from my programme would therefore have a positive impact on the UK economy through the creation and growth of such companies, and the associated creation of wealth, and also by attracting R&D investment into the UK.
The THz systems developed within this fellowship will also have potential long-term impact (>10 years) both to the public sector as well as society as a whole. For example, development of airport security screening systems (both for detection of concealed weapons and sensing of chemical substances including explosives) would have significant positive implications to national security, thereby also improving public well-being. In this respect, benefactors would also include UK governmental agencies (e.g. Home Office, HMGCC). Likewise, improved production cycles of pharmaceuticals would both improve the effectiveness of public services (the NHS) and also general quality of life and health/well-being through improved drug treatments. Other potential impacts to society, in the long-term, include the development of non-invasive medical imaging techniques as well as environmental monitoring systems, the latter of which could also have profound implications to the long-term protection of the global environment.
Through examples such as these, where societal benefits are immediately tangible, the public awareness, appreciation and understanding of science/technology will also benefit.
Academics, both in the UK and internationally, will benefit in the short-medium term (1-5 years) through the scientific advancements and technological developments accomplished by the proposed research. Specifically, these include: Achieving greater understanding of semiconductor lasers and detectors, the development of terahertz (THz) quantum cascade laser (TQCL) technology, the development of THz systems applicable to a wide range of research areas across the physical, chemical and biological sciences, the development of novel coherent detection and measurement techniques for TQCLs, as well as facilitating the exploitation of well-developed visible/near-infrared technologies in THz science. In addition, this programme will lead to longer-term economic impacts through the training of PhD researchers and undergraduate students in semiconductor fabrication techniques, laser photonics, and system development skills that will be directly transferable to careers in high-technology industries including telecommunications. This programme will also enhance the reputation of the University of Leeds as an international research institute, thereby improving the UK's competitiveness.
However, the impact of this programme goes far beyond this. Owing to the unique properties of THz radiation, THz systems have many potential application areas outside of academia including pharmaceutical process monitoring, airport security screening, chemical sensing, industrial inspection, non-destructive testing, and medical imaging. As such, high-technology engineering companies in the UK will benefit in the medium-long term (5-10 years) through the development of THz imaging, tomography and spectroscopy systems based on TQCL technology within this proposed programme of work. An example of such a company is Teraview, who supply Ti:sapphire-based spectroscopy systems to the pharmaceutical sector, where they are used to characterise polymorphs of drugs during development and production cycles. The technological developments from my programme would therefore have a positive impact on the UK economy through the creation and growth of such companies, and the associated creation of wealth, and also by attracting R&D investment into the UK.
The THz systems developed within this fellowship will also have potential long-term impact (>10 years) both to the public sector as well as society as a whole. For example, development of airport security screening systems (both for detection of concealed weapons and sensing of chemical substances including explosives) would have significant positive implications to national security, thereby also improving public well-being. In this respect, benefactors would also include UK governmental agencies (e.g. Home Office, HMGCC). Likewise, improved production cycles of pharmaceuticals would both improve the effectiveness of public services (the NHS) and also general quality of life and health/well-being through improved drug treatments. Other potential impacts to society, in the long-term, include the development of non-invasive medical imaging techniques as well as environmental monitoring systems, the latter of which could also have profound implications to the long-term protection of the global environment.
Through examples such as these, where societal benefits are immediately tangible, the public awareness, appreciation and understanding of science/technology will also benefit.
Organisations
- University of Leeds (Fellow, Lead Research Organisation)
- University College London (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM (Collaboration)
- LEEDS TEACHING HOSPITALS NHS TRUST (Collaboration)
- European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) (Collaboration)
- TeraView (United Kingdom) (Collaboration)
- University of Regensburg (Collaboration)
- University Paris Sud (Collaboration)
- École Normale Supérieure, Paris (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE (Collaboration)
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (Collaboration)
- University of Bari Aldo Moro (Collaboration)
- National Center for Scientific Research (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique CNRS) (Collaboration)
- Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (Collaboration)
- University of Texas at Austin (Collaboration)
- Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa (Collaboration)
- L3 Micreo Ltd (Collaboration)
- Ruhr University Bochum (Collaboration)
- University of Queensland (Collaboration)
- Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (Project Partner)
People |
ORCID iD |
Paul Dean (Principal Investigator / Fellow) |
Publications
Agnew G
(2015)
Efficient prediction of terahertz quantum cascade laser dynamics from steady-state simulations
in Applied Physics Letters
Agnew G
(2015)
Terahertz quantum cascade laser bandwidth prediction
Agnew G
(2016)
Model for a pulsed terahertz quantum cascade laser under optical feedback.
in Optics express
Agnew G
(2018)
Frequency Tuning Range Control in Pulsed Terahertz Quantum-Cascade Lasers: Applications in Interferometry
in IEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics
Agnew G
(2017)
Temperature-Dependent High-Speed Dynamics of Terahertz Quantum Cascade Lasers
in IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics
Almond N
(2020)
External cavity terahertz quantum cascade laser with a metamaterial/graphene optoelectronic mirror
in Applied Physics Letters
Bacon D
(2016)
Gain recovery time in a terahertz quantum cascade laser
in Applied Physics Letters
Description | The aim of this grant was to initiate a range of research packages with the aim of probing, manipulating and utilising the coherent (phase-stable) nature of terahertz (THz)-frequency quantum cascade laser (QCL) radiation, for the first time. As part of this programme I developed novel phase-sensitive detection and control techniques that will lay the foundations for a wealth of research opportunities in THz photonics, as well as facilitating the exploitation of THz technology for both fundamental science and real-world applications. Several key developments have emerged from this grant that have attracted significant interest internationally (see specific outcomes). Amongst these is the development of novel THz imaging and materials analysis approaches that exploit the self-mixing effect in QCLs. This exciting new technique enables coherent detection of THz fields using a single QCL device acting as both source and detector. As such, this approach is extremely simple and compact, and provides a fast and sensitive alternative technology to the cryogenically-cooled detectors used to date by the international community. I have exploited this coherent detection scheme to demonstrate: 1) The first two-dimensional and three-dimensional 'detectorless' terahertz imaging systems enabling, for example, imaging of concealed objects and the reconstruction of three-dimensional semiconductor structures with sub-micron resolution and fast sampling times. 2) The first apertureless scattering-type near-field microscope based on a THz QCL source. This system has achieved the highest imaging resolution (1 micron) achieved with a THz QCL to date. 3) New schemes for materials-analysis at THz frequencies based on a swept-frequency imaging approach. This approach has been applied to the identification of plastic explosives RDX, SX2 and Metabel, as well as for high-resolution imaging of biological samples including human skin. In particular, this work has shown how our technique can distinguish different tissue types and detect sub-surface features of skin tissues, to a penetration depth exceeding 100 microns, which are not visible optically. Overall this work has resulted in numerous publications, several invited talks at key international conferences, and offers enormous potential for future industrial up-take, for example for non-invasive inspection applications. The further development and commercial opportunities of this technology are currently being explored through an EPSRC Impact Acceleration Account award (EP/K503836/1), a European Commission Proof-of-Concept grant award (ERC-PoC-2016; 727541) and in collaboration with two industrial partners: L3 Micreo and Teraview Ltd. In particular this patented technology opens a pathway towards automatic techniques for the discrimination of healthy tissue types for the study of normal physiology and possible therapeutic approaches. The application of this technology for screening of skin melanoma is currently being explored through a Medical Research Council Confidence in Concept grant (MC_PC_14109). Several key breakthroughs have also been made concerning the technological development of THz QCL devices. These include: 4) The development of the world's first THz QCL emitting more than 1 Watt of power. This milestone in the field of THz science has attracted media interest from around the world, and has been reported in more than a dozen news outlets world-wide including the BBC website, BBC Radio Leeds, and The Times of India. 5) In collaboration with Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, the integration of THz QCL devices with mechanically robust waveguide technology suitable for applications in atmospheric science. This work is currently being developed further through funding from the European Space Agency. 6) The development of a novel frequency-tuneable QCL source exploiting the Vernier tuning effect in a coupled cavity geometry. This technology is readily applicable to multiple-frequency spectroscopic sensing approaches, including the remote identification of explosives and illicit drugs-of-abuse 7) The development of high-performance broadband InGaAs and InGaAsP-based THz sources exploiting commercially-mature laser diode technologies, in collaboration with University College London (UCL) and The London Centre for Nanotechnology. This work led to the first demonstration of injection-locking of a THz QCL using 1550nm laser technology. 8) The first measurement of the gain recovery time in a THz QCL using time-domain THz-pump-THz-probe techniques. This work has enabled the ultrafast dynamics of THz QCLs to be explored, of great relevance for the development of modelocked THz sources. All of these innovations represent significant improvements to THz QCL device performance and, as such, are translatable to a wide range of applications across the physical sciences and industry. |
Exploitation Route | Overall, the wide range of developments and outcomes emerging from this grant represent a significant advancement in THz QCL-based technologies and systems, which could have far-reaching implications across a range of academic and industrial areas. Potential application areas suited to industrial exploitation include pharmaceutical process monitoring, airport security screening, chemical sensing, non-destructive testing, industrial inspection, and medical imaging. As such, these technologies are well-suited for up-take by a range of high-technology engineering companies, as well as military and government agencies. Developments will be brought to the attention of such end-users through their on-going involvement in parallel programmes at Leeds. Further development and commercial opportunities of this technology are currently being explored through an EPSRC Impact Acceleration Account award (EP/K503836/1) and a European Commission Proof-of-Concept grant award (ERC-PoC-2016; 727541). As part of this work, we are currently working with two industrial partners (L3 Micreo and Teraview Ltd) to further develop this patented technology (PCT/AU2014/000828) and explore routes to market. Avenues for further development and translation of biomedical imaging approaches based on THz QCLs are already being pursued, in collaboration with The University of Queensland, through a Cancer Research UK Development Fund (C37059/A16369), a Medical Research Council Confidence in Concept grant (MC_PC_14109), and also through my management committee role in BMBS COST Action BM1205 'European Network for Skin Cancer Detection using Laser Imaging', a collaborative framework involving >20 international partners. Coherent detection and phase-locking approaches for THz QCLs using compact and commercially-mature laser diode technologies will continue to be pursued through on-going collaborations with Ruhr-Universität Bochum and University College London. In particular, our recently awarded The latter is coordinating the EPSRC Programme Grant 'HyperTHz' will provide a route with which to disseminate further outcomes to industrial end-users as well as academic researchers from across the UK. Overall, the developments in THz QCL device technology arising from this grant (high-power devices, waveguide-integrated QCLs, frequency-tuneable devices) will be taken forward over the coming years through a number of funded research programmes. These include programmes in collaboration with Rutherford Appleton Laboratory ('Integrated THz Mission for Atmospheric Sounding,' European Space Agency grant; 'Supra-terahertz technology for atmospheric and lower thermosphere,' NERC grant; 'LOCUS Critical Payload Development For Future In Orbit Demonstration,' Seventh CEOI Technology Call grant), with the aim to exploit the current state-of-the-art QCL technology for a low-cost upper-atmosphere sounder in-orbit-demonstrator mission. The further development of THz frequency QCL sources, including novel mode-locked sources, will also be explored through a funded Horizons 2020 FET-OPEN grant (665158), in collaboration with Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, University of Bari, University Paris Sud, and University of Regensburg. |
Sectors | Aerospace Defence and Marine Electronics Environment Healthcare Manufacturing including Industrial Biotechology Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology Security and Diplomacy |
Description | The findings of this Fellowship programme have opened up new opportunities for the development of commercial terahertz systems and their application to challenges in industry and healthcare. These on-going translational activities have potential for fostering both economic and societal benefits, through the creation and growth of high-technology engineering companies in the UK, and the development of new technologies for healthcare and industry. For example, technology developed during my Fellowship has been adopted by L3 Micreo Ltd, a subsidiary of L3 Technologies based in Queensland, Australia. Through this partnership L3 Micreo have developed a compact and cryogen-free THz imaging system utilising THz lasers produced at Leeds and exploiting my patented 'self-mixing' technology. This system has recently been showcased at a Knowledge Transfer Network event in London. One promising area for translation of this technology is within biomedical imaging, specifically the screening of skin cancers. Our proving work in collaboration with clinical partners at Leeds Teaching Hospital has demonstrated the potential of our technology to differentiate between melanoma and healthy skin, which is now being explored in collaboration with the University of Queensland and Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH) Dermatology Department in Queensland. Several aspects of the research funded through this grant have been showcased in major public outreach events, including the Royal Society Summer Science Exhition, as well as the Leeds Festival of Science. In addition, my research has featured in National and International news and magazine articles including an article in Physics World Magazine (June 2016), and media coverage from more than a dozen news outlets world-wide including the BBC website, BBC Radio Leeds, The Times of India (national newspaper) and websites including www.phys.org. These public outreach events and media publicity and have created impact through greater understand and appreciation of science by the general public. |
First Year Of Impact | 2016 |
Sector | Education,Other |
Impact Types | Societal Economic |
Description | Acoustic control of quantum cascade heterostructures: the THz "S-LASER" |
Amount | £509,154 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/V004751/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 12/2021 |
End | 05/2024 |
Description | Australian Research Council Discovery Project |
Amount | $32,000 (AUD) |
Funding ID | DP120103703 |
Organisation | Australian Research Council |
Sector | Public |
Country | Australia |
Start | 01/2012 |
End | 01/2014 |
Description | Australian Research Council Discovery Project |
Amount | $390,000 (AUD) |
Funding ID | DP160103910 |
Organisation | Australian Research Council |
Sector | Public |
Country | Australia |
Start | 01/2016 |
End | 12/2018 |
Description | Cancer Research UK Leeds Centre Development Fund |
Amount | £10,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | C37059/A16369 |
Organisation | University of Leeds |
Department | Cancer Research UK Leeds Centre |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2013 |
Description | Coherent pulse propagation and modelocking in terahertz quantum cascade lasers |
Amount | £1,127,384 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/T034246/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2021 |
End | 02/2024 |
Description | Dynamics, Control and Energy Transfer at Terahertz Frequencies. |
Amount | £1,025,292 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/P007449/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2017 |
End | 12/2022 |
Description | EPSRC (UK) Programme Grant award; HyperTerahertz - High precision terahertz spectroscopy and microscopy |
Amount | £6,517,861 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/P021859/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 05/2017 |
End | 05/2022 |
Description | EPSRC Capital Equipment grant |
Amount | £450,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/P001394/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2017 |
Description | EPSRC Impact Acceleration Account award |
Amount | £44,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/K503836/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 12/2015 |
Description | EPSRC Responsice Mode grant |
Amount | £406,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/M01598X/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2015 |
End | 05/2018 |
Description | European Commission Horizon 2020 Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship programme H2020-MSCA-IF-2015 |
Amount | € 195,000 (EUR) |
Funding ID | 703912 |
Organisation | European Commission |
Sector | Public |
Country | European Union (EU) |
Start | 03/2016 |
End | 03/2018 |
Description | European Commission Horizons 2020 FET-OPEN, MIR-Bose |
Amount | € 3,786,000 (EUR) |
Funding ID | 737017 |
Organisation | European Commission |
Sector | Public |
Country | European Union (EU) |
Start | 01/2016 |
End | 12/2019 |
Description | European Commission Proof-of-Concept grant award ERC-PoC-2016 |
Amount | € 150,000 (EUR) |
Funding ID | 727541 |
Organisation | European Commission |
Sector | Public |
Country | European Union (EU) |
Start | 09/2016 |
End | 10/2017 |
Description | European Space Agency grant |
Amount | € 10,000 (EUR) |
Funding ID | 'Modelling and Measurement of the THz Fingerprint Spectra of Biomolecules' 4000109286/13/NL/MV |
Organisation | European Space Agency |
Sector | Public |
Country | France |
Start | 12/2013 |
End | 05/2014 |
Description | European Space Agency grant |
Amount | £185,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | Supra-THz Receiver Front-End Development |
Organisation | European Space Agency |
Sector | Public |
Country | France |
Start | 04/2015 |
Description | Horizons 2020 FET-OPEN, ULTRAQCL |
Amount | £734,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | 665158 |
Organisation | European Commission |
Sector | Public |
Country | European Union (EU) |
Start | 09/2015 |
End | 09/2018 |
Description | MRC Confidence in Concept grant |
Amount | £75,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | MC_PC_14109 |
Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 06/2015 |
Description | PhD studentship, funded by University of Leeds DTA award |
Amount | £60,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | University of Leeds |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2013 |
End | 04/2017 |
Description | PhD studentship, funded by University of Leeds DTA award |
Amount | £60,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | University of Leeds |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2015 |
End | 03/2019 |
Description | Terahertz frequency devices and systems for ultrahigh capacity wireless communications |
Amount | £7,097,283 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/W028921/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2023 |
End | 12/2027 |
Title | Data associated with 'Frequency tunability and spectral control in terahertz quantum cascade lasers with phase-adjusted finite-defect-site photonic lattices' |
Description | This dataset contains experimental data presented in the paper titled 'Frequency tunability and spectral control in terahertz quantum cascade lasers with phase-adjusted finite-defect-site photonic lattices'. The effect of finite-defect-site photonic lattices (PLs) on the spectral emission of terahertz (THz) frequency quantum cascade lasers (QCLs), is studied both theoretically and experimentally. A central p-phase adjusted defect is incorporated into the PL to slectively favor emission within the photonic bandgap. The effect of the PL duty cycle and the longitudinal position of such PLs relative the QCL cavity is also investigated, and is used to demonstrate three distinct spectral behaviors: single mode emission from QCLs in the range 2.2-5 THz, with a side-mode suppression ratio of 40 dB and exhibiting continuous frequency tuning over >8 GHz; discrete tuning between two engineered emission modes separated by ~40 GHz; and multiple-mode emission with an engineered logitudinal frequency spacing between the emission lines. |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2017 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
URL | http://archive.researchdata.leeds.ac.uk/157/ |
Title | Dataset associated with Injection locking of a terahertz quantum cascade laser to a telecommunications wavelength frequency comb. |
Description | This archive contains the dataset associated with the publication entitled Injection locking of a terahertz quantum cascade laser to a telecommunications wavelength frequency comb. In this work we injection lock a QCL operating at 2 THz to a compact fibre-based telecommunications wavelength frequency comb, where the comb line spacing is referenced to a microwave frequency reference. This results in the QCL frequency locking to an integer harmonic of the microwave reference, and the QCL linewidth reducing to the multiplied linewidth of the microwave reference, < 100 Hz. Furthermore, we perform phase-resolved detection of the locked QCL and measure the phase noise of the locked system to be -75 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset from 2 THz carrier. |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2017 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
URL | http://archive.researchdata.leeds.ac.uk/232/ |
Title | Dual Resonance Phonon Photon Phonon THz QCL - data |
Description | Dataset that corresponds to work on dual resonant phonon THz QCL. Dataset consists of all figures presented in the paper given as Grace files and simulation data given in Excel files. |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2020 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
URL | https://archive.researchdata.leeds.ac.uk/771/ |
Description | Collaboration with Inst. of Micro- & Nanoelectronic Syst., Karlsruhe Inst. of Technol., Germany |
Organisation | Karlsruhe Institute of Technology |
Country | Germany |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | This research collaboration made possible the study of the ultrafast dynamics and transient heating effects in terahertz quantum cascade laser sources. Specific contributions include: Expertise in experimental and theoretical aspects of quantum cascade laser sources; Access to experimental facilities including quatum cascade laser characterisation equipment; Development, characterisation and provision of high-performance quantum cascade laser |
Collaborator Contribution | Contributions include: Expertise in experimental aspects of ultrafast superconducting detector technologies; Development and provision of ultrafast superconducting detectors; Intellectual input to research strategy. |
Impact | 10.1063/1.4818584 10.1109/TTHZ.2012.2228368 |
Start Year | 2012 |
Description | Collaboration with L3 Micreo Ltd |
Organisation | L3 Micreo Ltd |
Country | Australia |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Expertise in experimental and theoretical aspects of quantum cascade laser sources, imaging systems and self-mixing sensing approaches; Access to experimental facilities including terahertz imaging systems, clean-room fabrication facilities, and photomixer characterisation apparatus; Development, characterisation and provision of high-performance quantum cascade laser sources; |
Collaborator Contribution | L3 Micreo Ltd will undertake the specific construction of a compact laser head using our laser technology. This will raise the technological readiness level (TRL) of our imaging technology, and increase the opportunity for commercial uptake. |
Impact | EPSRC Impact Acceleration Account award EP/K503836/1 (2015) European Commission (EC): 727541 - European Commission Proof-of-Concept grant award ERC-PoC-2016 |
Start Year | 2015 |
Description | Collaboration with Laboratoire Pierre Aigrain, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Université P. et M. Curie, Université D. Diderot, Paris, France |
Organisation | École Normale Supérieure, Paris |
Country | France |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | This research collaboration has made possible the study of injection-seeding and the sampling-coherence of terahertz quantum cascade laser sources. Specific contributions include: Expertise in experimental and theoretical aspects of quantum cascade laser sources; Development, characterisation and provision of high-performance quantum cascade laser sources including dual-cavity lasers essential for these experiments; Intellectual input to research |
Collaborator Contribution | Contributions include: Expertise in injection-seeding of quantum cascade laser sources; Development of and access to terahertz time-domain spectroscopy apparatus enabling injection-seeding of quantum cascade laser sources; Training of visiting research staff in experimental techniques for injection-seeding of quantum cascade laser sources; Intellectual input to research strategy. |
Impact | 10.1109/IRMMW-THz.2012.6380209 10.1364/CLEO_SI.2012.CTu2B.5 10.1364/OE.20.016662 10.1364/OL.37.000731 Horizons 2020 FET-OPEN grant 665158 |
Start Year | 2011 |
Description | Collaboration with Leeds NHS Teaching Hospital |
Organisation | Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | Development of terahertz imaging system for skin diagnostics |
Collaborator Contribution | Provision of excised melanoma samples Histological analysis |
Impact | MRC Confidence in Concept grant MC_PC_14109 |
Start Year | 2015 |
Description | Collaboration with NEST, CNR -Istituto Nanoscienze and Scuola Normale Superiore,Pisa |
Organisation | Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa |
Country | Italy |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Experimental measurements performed during a research visit from a PhD student from NEST. |
Collaborator Contribution | Design and Provision of samples for measurement |
Impact | Journal and conference publications |
Start Year | 2019 |
Description | Collaboration with NEST, CNR -Istituto Nanoscienze and Scuola Normale Superiore,Pisa |
Organisation | Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa |
Country | Italy |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Experimental measurements performed during a research visit from a PhD student from NEST. |
Collaborator Contribution | Design and Provision of samples for measurement |
Impact | Journal and conference publications |
Start Year | 2019 |
Description | Collaboration with Ruhr-Universität Bochum |
Organisation | Ruhr University Bochum |
Country | Germany |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | This collaboration has made possible the study of injection-seeding of terahertz quantum cascade laser sources, and development of quantum cascade laser sources with hybrid-mode-section waveguides for improved outcoupling. Specific contributions include: Expertise in experimental and theoretical aspects of quantum cascade laser sources; Expertise in experimental injection-seeding and coherent detection techniques; Access to experimental facilities including quantum cascade laser characterisation apparatus and clean-room fabrication facilities; Development, characterisation and provision of high-performance quantum cascade laser sources; Intellectual input to research strategy. |
Collaborator Contribution | Contributions include: Expertise in injection-seeding of quantum cascade laser sources; Development of and access to high-resolution Fourier transform spectrometer and apparatus enabling cw injection-seeding of quantum cascade laser sources; Training of visiting research staff in experimental techniques for injection-seeding of quantum cascade laser sources; Intellectual input to research strategy. |
Impact | 10.1007/s10762-015-0239-4 10.1063/1.4896032 |
Start Year | 2013 |
Description | Collaboration with Rutheford Appleton Laboratory |
Organisation | Rutherford Appleton Laboratory |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | This research collaboration has enabled the development of Low Cost Upper Atmospheric Sounder (LOCUS) technology for future in-orbit demonstration. Specific contributions include: Expertise in experimental and theoretical aspects of quantum cascade laser sources and coherent detection schemes; Access to experimental facilities including MBE growth facility and quantum cascade laser characterisation apparatus; Development, characterisation and provision of high-performance quantum cascade laser sources; Intellectual input to research strategy. |
Collaborator Contribution | Contributions include: Expertise in the development and fabrication of Schottky mixer and high-frequency waveguide technologies; Access to precision micromachining technology; Intellectual input to research strategy. |
Impact | 10.1049/el.2015.1137 European Space Agency grant 'Supra-THz Receiver Front-End Development' European Space Agency grant 'Modelling and Measurement of the THz Fingerprint Spectra of Biomolecules' 4000109286/13/NL/MV |
Start Year | 2013 |
Description | Collaboration with School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, The University of Queensland, Australia |
Organisation | University of Queensland |
Country | Australia |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | This collaboration has been central to the on-going development of coherent sensing approaches based on the self-mixing effect in terahertz frequency quantum cascade lasers. My contributions include: Expertise in experimental and theoretical aspects of quantum cascade laser sources, imaging systems and self-mixing sensing approaches; Access to experimental facilities including terahertz imaging systems and clean-room fabrication facilities; Development, characterisation and provision of high-performance quantum cascade laser sources; Training of visiting research staff in the experimental operation of terahertz quantum cascade laser sources and imaging systems; Intellectual input to research strategy. |
Collaborator Contribution | Contributions include: Expertise in experimental and theoretical aspects of self-mixing sensing approaches; Access to experimental facilities including terahertz imaging systems and mechanical fabrication facilities; Development and provision of custom-designed electronics components; Development of data analysis algorithms and software; Intellectual input to research strategy. |
Impact | Further funding: Cancer Research UK Leeds Centre Development Fund C37059/A16369 Australian Research Council Discovery Project DP120103703 Australian Research Council Discovery Project DP160103910 PhD studentship, funded by University of Leeds DTA award MRC Confidence in Concept grant MC_PC_14109 EPSRC Impact Acceleration Account award EP/K503836/1 European Commission (EC): 727541 - European Commission Proof-of-Concept grant award ERC-PoC-2016 Publications: 10.1109/JSEN.2012.2218594 10.1364/OE.21.022194 10.1063/1.4827886 10.1063/1.4839535 10.1364/OL.39.002629 10.1364/OE.22.018633 10.1088/0022-3727/47/37/374008 10.1364/BOE.5.003981 10.1364/OL.40.000994 10.1063/1.4918993 10.1364/OL.40.000950 10.1049/el.2015.2878 10.1364/OE.24.021948 10.3390/s16030352 10.1364/OE.24.020554 10.1109/JSEN.2015.2507184 10.1109/JSTQE.2016.2638539 Organisation of, and participation in, The Training School in Terahertz, Infrared and Millimetre Wave technology and its Application to Sensing and Imaging Invited talk at Photonics West 2016 Invited talk at International Quantum Cascade Laser School and Workshop 2016 |
Start Year | 2011 |
Description | Collaboration with Teraview Ltd (UK) |
Organisation | Teraview Ltd |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Expertise in experimental and theoretical aspects of quantum cascade laser sources, imaging systems and self-mixing sensing approaches; Access to experimental facilities including terahertz imaging systems, clean-room fabrication facilities and molecular beam epitaxial growth facilities; Development, characterisation and provision of high-performance quantum cascade laser sources; |
Collaborator Contribution | TeraView Ltd (http://www.teraview.com), core business is focused on selling systems to the non-destructive testing, pharmaceutical, materials characterization and electronics markets. Trials are under way to assess the application of our laser based technology to industrial inspection of silicon wafers, of relevance to the semiconductor manufacturing industry. |
Impact | European Commission (EC): 727541 - European Commission Proof-of-Concept grant award ERC-PoC-2016 |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | Collaboration with Univ. of Texas at Austin, USA |
Organisation | University of Texas at Austin |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | This collaboration has made possible the development of photo-expansion nanospectroscopy techniques using terahertz quantum cascade laser sources. My contributions include: Expertise in experimental and theoretical aspects of quantum cascade laser sources; Development, characterisation and provision of high-performance quantum cascade laser sources; |
Collaborator Contribution | Contributions include: Expertise in photo-expansion nanospectroscopy techniques; Access to experimental facilities including photo-expansion nanospectroscopy system; Intellectual input to research strategy. |
Impact | 10.1117/12.2000743 |
Start Year | 2011 |
Description | Collaboration with University of Nottingham |
Organisation | University of Nottingham |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Expertise in pulsed terahertz generation and detection; Access to experimental facilities including terahertz spectroscopy systems, clean-room fabrication facilities, and MBE growth facilities; Development, characterisation and provision of high-performance quantum cascade laser sources; |
Collaborator Contribution | Expertise in acoustic wave generation |
Impact | EPSRC grant EP/M01598X/1 |
Start Year | 2015 |
Description | Participation in BMBS COST Action BM1205, European Network for Skin Cancer Detection using Laser Imaging |
Organisation | European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) |
Department | European Network for Skin Cancer Detection using Laser Imaging |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | This network provides an interdisciplinary framework to enhance interaction activities within the field of optical biosensing, between world-class academic groups, labs and system integrators from industry. It exploits novel laser sources and innovative feedback interferometry in specific biomedical applications. This group provides an ideal platform for interaction activities with international academic and industrial partners relevant to the development of coherent imaging systems at The University of Leeds. My contributions include: Hosting Short-term Scientific Missions (STSMs) aimed at early-career researchers from across Europe; Management Committee role; Leader of 'Terahertz imaging' work group. Organisation of 'Training School in Terahertz, Infrared and Millimetre Wave technology and its Application to Sensing and Imaging', hosted at Leeds (2014). |
Collaborator Contribution | This network provides an interdisciplinary framework to enhance interaction activities within the field of optical biosensing, between world-class academic groups, labs and system integrators from industry. It exploits novel laser sources and innovative feedback interferometry in specific biomedical applications. This group provides an ideal platform for interaction activities with international academic and industrial partners relevant to the development of coherent imaging systems at University of Leeds. |
Impact | This network is multi-disciplinary, involving academics and industrial partners from across the physical sciences (Physics, Engineering) as well as medical researchers and practicioners. Outcomes include: Invited talk at 'The International Conference on THz and Mid Infrared Radiation and Applications to Cancer Detection Using Laser Imaging', 2013; Organisation of 'Training School in Terahertz, Infrared and Millimetre Wave technology and its Application on Sensing and Imaging' 2014; Participation in 'Interdisciplinary workshop on Laser Imaging for Skin Cancer detection'; Participation in various multi-disciplinary Working Groups. Publications: 10.1364/BOE.5.003981 Further funding: Australian Research Council (ARC): DP160103910 - Australian Research Council Discovery Project (A$ 390000; 2016 - 2018) Medical Research Council (MRC): MC_PC_14109 - MRC Confidence in Concept grant (£ 75000; 2015) Cancer Research UK Leeds Centre: C37059/A16369 - Cancer Research UK Leeds Centre Development Fund (£ 10000; 2013) |
Start Year | 2012 |
Description | Participation in Coherent Terahertz Systems (COTS) EPSRC Programme Grant |
Organisation | University College London |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Among the aims of this partnership are: The creation of the integrated phase-locked optical synthesis technologies that underpin coherent signal generation across the THz spectrum; The development of phase-locked electronically tuneable quantum cascade laser (QCL) technology; The development of InGaAs/InP photoconductive mixers using iron doping or novel ion implantation processes; The development of systems exploiting the THz spectrum for applications areas including coherent imaging and sensing systems. Specific contributions include: Expertise in experimental and theoretical aspects of quantum cascade laser sources, imaging systems and self-mixing sensing approaches; Access to experimental facilities including terahertz imaging systems, clean-room fabrication facilities, and photomixer characterisation apparatus; Development, characterisation and provision of high-performance quantum cascade laser sources; Expertise in experimental aspects of InGaAs/InP photoconductive mixer technology; Development of coherent systems based on photomixer technology; Development of phase-locked electronically tuneable quantum cascade laser (QCL) technology. |
Collaborator Contribution | ... |
Impact | Publications: 10.1364/OE.22.016595 10.1364/OE.21.022988 10.1063/1.4942452 10.1063/1.4943088 10.1063/1.4946845 10.1364/OE.25.000486 Invited talk at Photonics West 2016 Invited talk at International Quantum Cascade Laser School and Workshop 2016 Further funding: European Commission (EC): 727541 - European Commission Proof-of-Concept grant award ERC-PoC-2016 |
Start Year | 2012 |
Description | Participation in Coherent Terahertz Systems (COTS) EPSRC Programme Grant |
Organisation | University of Cambridge |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Among the aims of this partnership are: The creation of the integrated phase-locked optical synthesis technologies that underpin coherent signal generation across the THz spectrum; The development of phase-locked electronically tuneable quantum cascade laser (QCL) technology; The development of InGaAs/InP photoconductive mixers using iron doping or novel ion implantation processes; The development of systems exploiting the THz spectrum for applications areas including coherent imaging and sensing systems. Specific contributions include: Expertise in experimental and theoretical aspects of quantum cascade laser sources, imaging systems and self-mixing sensing approaches; Access to experimental facilities including terahertz imaging systems, clean-room fabrication facilities, and photomixer characterisation apparatus; Development, characterisation and provision of high-performance quantum cascade laser sources; Expertise in experimental aspects of InGaAs/InP photoconductive mixer technology; Development of coherent systems based on photomixer technology; Development of phase-locked electronically tuneable quantum cascade laser (QCL) technology. |
Collaborator Contribution | ... |
Impact | Publications: 10.1364/OE.22.016595 10.1364/OE.21.022988 10.1063/1.4942452 10.1063/1.4943088 10.1063/1.4946845 10.1364/OE.25.000486 Invited talk at Photonics West 2016 Invited talk at International Quantum Cascade Laser School and Workshop 2016 Further funding: European Commission (EC): 727541 - European Commission Proof-of-Concept grant award ERC-PoC-2016 |
Start Year | 2012 |
Description | Participation in Horizons2020 FET-OPEN project 'ULTRAQCL' |
Organisation | National Center for Scientific Research (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique CNRS) |
Country | France |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Among the aims of this partnership are the development of mode-locked terahertz quantum cascade laser (QCL) technology for short pulse generation, wideband frequency comb generation, frequency comb spectroscopy, and quantum control experiments. Specific contributions include: Expertise in experimental and theoretical aspects of quantum cascade laser sources; Expertise in experimental and theoretical aspects of mode-locking of quantum cascade lasers, and self-induced transparency effects. Access to experimental facilities including terahertz quantum cascade laser characterisation apparatus, injection seeding apparatus, MBE wafer growth, and clean-room fabrication facilities; Development, characterisation and provision of high-performance quantum cascade laser sources; |
Collaborator Contribution | ... |
Impact | Further funding: European Commission (EC): 703912 - European Commission Horizon 2020 Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship programme H2020-MSCA-IF-2015 |
Start Year | 2015 |
Description | Participation in Horizons2020 FET-OPEN project 'ULTRAQCL' |
Organisation | University Paris Sud |
Country | France |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Among the aims of this partnership are the development of mode-locked terahertz quantum cascade laser (QCL) technology for short pulse generation, wideband frequency comb generation, frequency comb spectroscopy, and quantum control experiments. Specific contributions include: Expertise in experimental and theoretical aspects of quantum cascade laser sources; Expertise in experimental and theoretical aspects of mode-locking of quantum cascade lasers, and self-induced transparency effects. Access to experimental facilities including terahertz quantum cascade laser characterisation apparatus, injection seeding apparatus, MBE wafer growth, and clean-room fabrication facilities; Development, characterisation and provision of high-performance quantum cascade laser sources; |
Collaborator Contribution | ... |
Impact | Further funding: European Commission (EC): 703912 - European Commission Horizon 2020 Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship programme H2020-MSCA-IF-2015 |
Start Year | 2015 |
Description | Participation in Horizons2020 FET-OPEN project 'ULTRAQCL' |
Organisation | University of Bari |
Country | Italy |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Among the aims of this partnership are the development of mode-locked terahertz quantum cascade laser (QCL) technology for short pulse generation, wideband frequency comb generation, frequency comb spectroscopy, and quantum control experiments. Specific contributions include: Expertise in experimental and theoretical aspects of quantum cascade laser sources; Expertise in experimental and theoretical aspects of mode-locking of quantum cascade lasers, and self-induced transparency effects. Access to experimental facilities including terahertz quantum cascade laser characterisation apparatus, injection seeding apparatus, MBE wafer growth, and clean-room fabrication facilities; Development, characterisation and provision of high-performance quantum cascade laser sources; |
Collaborator Contribution | ... |
Impact | Further funding: European Commission (EC): 703912 - European Commission Horizon 2020 Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship programme H2020-MSCA-IF-2015 |
Start Year | 2015 |
Description | Participation in Horizons2020 FET-OPEN project 'ULTRAQCL' |
Organisation | University of Regensburg |
Country | Germany |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Among the aims of this partnership are the development of mode-locked terahertz quantum cascade laser (QCL) technology for short pulse generation, wideband frequency comb generation, frequency comb spectroscopy, and quantum control experiments. Specific contributions include: Expertise in experimental and theoretical aspects of quantum cascade laser sources; Expertise in experimental and theoretical aspects of mode-locking of quantum cascade lasers, and self-induced transparency effects. Access to experimental facilities including terahertz quantum cascade laser characterisation apparatus, injection seeding apparatus, MBE wafer growth, and clean-room fabrication facilities; Development, characterisation and provision of high-performance quantum cascade laser sources; |
Collaborator Contribution | ... |
Impact | Further funding: European Commission (EC): 703912 - European Commission Horizon 2020 Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship programme H2020-MSCA-IF-2015 |
Start Year | 2015 |
Title | A LASER SYSTEM FOR IMAGING AND MATERIALS ANALYSIS |
Description | A THz quantum cascade laser is used to investigate a target by directing a first beam of laser radiation from the laser at the target to thereby produce a second beam of laser radiation by interaction of the first beam with the target. Self-mixing of the first and second beams occurs within the laser and causes variations in a signal such as the operating voltage of the laser. An operating parameter of the laser that affects the interaction of the first beam with, the target is varied. The operating voltage is monitored and processed to determine phase and amplitude changes associated with material properties of the target. Consequently in one embodiment the invention provides for processing the variations in the signal to produce various images of the target. |
IP Reference | WO2015024058 |
Protection | Patent granted |
Year Protection Granted | 2015 |
Licensed | No |
Impact | This patent led to further funding to explore commercialisation of this technology: 1) EPSRC Impact Acceleration Account award EP/K503836/1 (2015) 2) European Commission (EC): 727541 - European Commission Proof-of-Concept grant award ERC-PoC-2016 (€ 150000; 2016 - 2017) This patent has also led directly to 2 industrial collaborations: 1) 'L3 Micreo Ltd', who will undertake the specific construction of a compact laser head using our THz QCL technology. This will raise the technological read |
Title | Two Photon Emitting Terahertz QCL |
Description | A Two Photon Emitting Terahertz QCL |
IP Reference | GB1814766.0 |
Protection | Patent application published |
Year Protection Granted | 2018 |
Licensed | No |
Impact | None |
Description | Article in Physics World Magazine, June 2016 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Article featuring my research published in Physics World Magazine, June 2016. This has led to greater understanding of terahertz technology by the general public and other academic researchers. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
URL | http://physicsworld.com/ |
Description | BeCurious Public outreach event 2019 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Exhibition of University of Leeds research at public outreach event, BeCurious 2019, as part of Leeds Festival of Science. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Early Career Researcher Engineering Showcase at The Royal Academy of Engineering Regional Lecture |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Supporters |
Results and Impact | The Early Career Researcher Engineering Showcase formed part of the Royal Academy of Engineering Regional Lecture in 2012. The Regional Lecture is an annual public lecture for northern universities and takes the form of a topic of broad interest. It is an opportunity for academic staff and younger researchers to disseminate their research and discuss potential societal benefits with the public. My presentation prompted numerous questions and discussions. The public were impressed by the breadth and applicability of research undertaken at The University of Leeds. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012 |
URL | http://www.raeng.org.uk/events/list-of-events/2012/march/the-royal-academy-of-engineering-regional-l... |
Description | Hands-on demonstration/workshop at Royal Microscopy Meeting, RMS SPM Meeting 2018 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | This hands-on activity/workshop was organised as part of the Royal Microscopy Society RMS SPM Meeting held in Leeds, 25-26th June 2018. 12 postgraduate researchers and PhD students visited the Research Laboratories in the School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering at the University of Leeds, and were provided with a demonstration of the University's Terahertz Microscopy system. This sparked questions and discussion afterwards. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Interdisciplinary workshop on Laser Imaging for Skin Cancer detection |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Health professionals |
Results and Impact | This workshop/discussion group provided an interdisciplinary framework to enhance interaction activities within the field of optical biosensing, between world-class academic groups and medical practicioners and researchers. This workshop resulted in lively two-way discussion between academic researchers and clinical practicioners, leading to better understanding of end-user needs and technological challenges. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
Description | KTN Emerging Technologies and Industries Showcase Event |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | University of Leeds research was showcased at the KTN Emerging Technologies and Industries Showcase Event |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Media interest in laser developments |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | The development of the world's first terahertz quantum cascade laser emitting more than 1W of power was reported in more than a dozen news outlets world-wide including the BBC website, BBC Radio Leeds, The Times of India (national newspaper) and websites including www.phys.org. This media interest generated publicity and interest in my research and other research taking place at The University of Leeds, as well as improving the public's understanding and appreciation of science. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
URL | http://phys.org/news/2014-02-world-powerful-terahertz-laser-chip.html |
Description | Organisation of, and participation in, The International Quantum Cascade Laser School and Workshop, 2016 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | This workshop aimed to bring together researchers from across the field of terahertz science. The workshop also served as a training school for PhD students, postdoctoral researchers and early career researchers from across Europe. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Organisation of, and participation in, The Training School in Terahertz, Infrared and Millimetre Wave technology and its Application to Sensing and Imaging |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Type Of Presentation | workshop facilitator |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | This workshop aimed to bring together researchers from across the fields of terahertz, infrared and millimetre wave technologies in order to foster collaborations and discussion of how to open up the these fields to widespread scientific and commercial applications in imaging and sensing. The workshop also served as a training school for PhD students and early career researchers from across Europe. Part of this activity involved a laboratory demonstration session, coordinated by myself and aimed at early-career researchers, which attracted much interest and stimulated discussion and sharing of ideas. ... |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
URL | http://skin-laser-imaging.org/events-2/bm1205-and-mp1204-cost-actions-training-school/ |
Description | Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition public outreach event |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Exhibition of University of Leeds research at the Royal Society Summer science exhibition in London |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | https://royalsociety.org/science-events-and-lectures/2019/summer-science-exhibition/ |
Description | School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering Open Days, University of Leeds |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | The research activity undertaken as part of this award, and its potential for societal benefit, was presented to 6th form (college) students and their parents/guardians at The School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering Open Days at The University of Leeds. This included laboratory demonstrations and prompted numerous questions and discussions afterwards. Feedback indicated that participants gained a better understanding of the potential impact/societal benefits of my research, as well as being motivated to study engineering/physics at University. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011,2012,2013 |
Description | The Innovative Research Call in Explosives and Weapons Detection Showcase, London 2011 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | The aim of this showcase was to enable the further progression of research by appropriate investment or collaboration. This was an opportunity for representatives from Government, academia, investment groups and industry to come together and identify potential ways in which the outputs from research projects could be exploited and applied. Participation in this showcase event provided the opportunity to present my research to Government, academia, investment groups and industry. Further funding opportunities were brought to my attention. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011 |
URL | https://www.adsgroup.org.uk/articles/26422 |
Description | UK Terahertz Day, Cavendish Laboratory, Cambridge, July 2013 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Type Of Presentation | poster presentation |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Showcase poster at UK TERAHERTZ DAY. The UK Terahertz Day was a UK THz community discussion event organised as part of The EPSRC Coherent TeraHertz Systems (COTS) Programme Grant. The event provided an opportunity to introduce my research to other academic and industrial groups. ... |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
URL | http://www.ee.ucl.ac.uk/research/eventukterahertzday |