Solid-state Broadly-tunable Milliwatt CW THz Source on Intra-cavity Frequency Conversion

This proposal provides a breakthrough solution to realize a compact broadly-tunable THz local-oscillator, whose tuning range covers 0.8-1.2 THz with flat output power in excess of 200 uW. The innovation is based on high efficiency intra-cavity difference frequency generation. A dual cavity laser is designed to generate two separate frequency lasers, which share an EO crystal inside the cavity for THz generation. The THz frequency can be tuned by changing the EO crystal orientation. The output power can be controlled by an externally applied analog signal provided by the user. The power consumption is <40 W. In Phase I, the feasibility will be demonstrated in a deliverable prototype and the system design will be optimized. A fully functional THz source with unprecedented performance is anticipated in Phase II.