Compact diode-laser-pumped THz source based on a novel photomixer device.

Within this project we will carry out theoretical and experimental studies of novel types of compact THz sources where semiconductor laser diodes will be combined with a novel dipole/spiral and waveguide photoconductor devices. Specifically, we propose to design, fabricate and assess the performance of the material systems of amorphous/nanocrystalline silicon and quantum-dot semiconductors as materials having short electron-hole photocarrier lifetimes and high photosensitivity at 780-1300nm. In addition to fully characterising and optimising the dual- and multi-longitudinal modes diode lasers we will evaluate the performance of these lasers in the optical pumping of the dipole/spiral and waveguided antennae for obtaining THz power levels in the >100 microwatts range with optimised beam characteristics. The overall objective of this work is to produce a diode-laser-driven, ultra-compact THz source having some potential for additional functionality through its frequency tunability.