Efficient high power tunable THz source based on all fiber-based pulsed fiber lasers at ~ 2 mm"

In Phase I, NP Photonics has successfully demonstrated the feasibility of a fiber-based THz source that can generate high power, narrow linewidth, and tunable THz radiation by leveraging NP’s proprietary unique fibers, fiber lasers/amplifiers, and THz techniques. In Phase II, we will develop the monolithic high power ~ 2 micron pulsed fiber laser system for the proposed fiber-based THz source under collaboration with University of Arizona. We expect to achieve the highest conversion efficiency 0.2% for THz parametric generation by using ~ 2 micron pulsed fiber laser and external cavity enhancement with ZnGeP2 and QPM-GaAs crystals. Most importantly, the collinear THz optical parametric oscillator (OPO) will be demonstrated for the first time based on developed ~ 2 micron pulsed fiber laser. For Air Force NDE THz applications, we will offer in Phase II period a compact high power fiber-based THz source with average power of ~ 1 W, with wide tuning range of 0.2-5 THz, and narrow linewidth of 50-100 MHz. Furthermore, NP Photonics will offer prototype service of a high resolution THz spectrometer based on NP’s high power narrow linewidth fiber-based THz source. We will demonstrate detection sensitivity below sub-part per million and noise equivalent power (NEP) below 1.0x10-14 W/Hz½. BENEFIT: Currently, the THz spectral region has been underutilized because of the inadequacy of THz sources. The proposed fiber-based THz source is expected to break this limit, with advantages of compact, high power, high spectral resolution, extremely wide tunability, and room temperature operation. So this fiber-based THz source will have large potential market in THz applications, such as real-time imaging, non-destructive evaluation (NDE), stand-off sensing and chemical detection and analysis. The proposed THz source can be used by military agencies for communications on the battlefield or in space; for trace detection of hazardous materials and explosives in the field due to the fast response, room-temperature operation, low noise, and high spectral resolution; for atmospheric environment sensing, such as in airports and subways for screening of hazardous materials and explosives; and for research and development of biological materials, pharmaceuticals and other chemicals because THz spectrum can reveal the unique structural features of molecules.