Novel THz-frequency spectrometers by integrating widely-tunable monochromatic THz sources and detectors, or arrays of emitters and detectors, with pho

This SBIR Phase I project focuses on the comprehensive analyses and designs of the three novel prototype THz-frequency spectrometers. Such a goal is built upon the recent success of the implementations of widely-tunable monochromatic THz sources and the accomplishments of chemical sensing, characterization of bio tissues, studies of photonic bandgap crystals, and quantum detectors. During the Phase-I period, we will perform comprehensive analysis and design of nonlinear parametric sources in terms of their capabilities including appropriate crystals, tuning ranges, peak powers, and linewidths. We plan to investigate performances of various conventional and novel quantum-based detectors in terms of operational temperatures, sensitivities, and frequency ranges. We propose to study effects of photonic bandgap crystals on THz sources and detectors. We will then design the three prototype systems by integrating sources and detectors, or arrays of emitters and detectors, with photonic bandgap crystals, that can be used to perform chemical and biological spectroscopic detections. We will also analyze potentials of the prototype systems for point and remote sensing. We plan to investigate the capabilities of the prototype systems for operating at the enhanced levels of sensitivities and functionalities. Finally, we propose to study issues of making the systems compact, portable, and suitable for battlefield deployment. After completing the above step-by-step objectives, we will enable ourselves to develop and demonstrate the three prototype THz-frequency spectrometers for the point and remote detections of chemical and biological agents during the Phase-II period. During the Phase I Option period, we plan to run initial tests of the important components proposed and optimized during Phase I. Specifically, we will fabricate and test the resonant tunneling diode, the channel waveguide for a THz wave, a pair of Bragg reflectors for the cavity enhancement, the line defect introduced in a 2-D PBC, the PBC with a high-index defect embedded, and the unique design of 2-D PBC's used as a wavelength filter. These efforts are considered as the initial Phase II activities.