Objectives: This research project will develop a photonic integrated THz frequency domain spectrometer THz FDS, using the self-heterodyne technique based on an optical heterodyne source. This research work will contribute to answering TERAOPTICS’ research Challenge III and Challenge V. Expected Results: The key expected outcome of this research work is a Terahertz frequency domain spectrometer light engine prototype. The aim is to demonstrate the superior performance of the photonic integrated self-heterodyne technique, since influence of frequency fluctuations of the RF signal are eliminated by using the same LO in Tx and Rx, and phase uncertainties are eliminated by integration. Frequency tuning between 30 GHz to 3 THz will be achieved by changing wavelength difference, and phase scanning over 180º using a phase shifter. The research and development work will mainly address the targeted key THz application “material characterization”. Planned secondment(s): to FTMC (Dr. Irmantas Kašalynas), M10 ~1 month, on introduction to solid state THz sources and spectroscopic THz imaging to DAS (Dr. Valentin Polo), M30 for 2 months, on using the prototypes for spectroscopic THz imagers

Objectives: This key objective of this research project is to study and develop photonic integrated mode locked lasers as optical signal sources for frequency-stable and low-phase noise Terahertz signal generation for pumping SBD mixers. Expected Results: The vision of this research work is to develop a high repetition rate mode locked laser diode (MLLD) prototype using intra-cavity and extra-cavity structures that will provide a sub-harmonic continuous wave optical local oscillator signal required to generate high quality frequency stable and low phase noise THz signals. This research work will contribute to answering TERAOPTICS’ research Challenge I, III and V. Planned secondment(s): to UDE (Prof. Andreas Stöhr), M14 for 1 months for round-robin tests of optically-mediated THz signal generation to ULIL (Prof. Guillaume Ducournau), M20 for 1.5 months, to find assembly solutions for THz sources based on mode locked laser to ACST (Dr. Oleg Cojocari), M28 for 1.5 months, to explore assembly of MLLD, high speed PDs for photonic LO signal for SBD receiver