Researcher: Kalliopi Spanidou
Researcher CV: Kalliopi Spanidou received the Bachelor degree in Physics in 2019 and the Master degree in Physics and Materials Technology in 2021, both at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (A.U.Th.), Greece. Her master thesis focused on the performance of the output beam of an optical phased array based on a SiN platform and the thermal tuning ability via micro-heaters. The experiments were held at the WinPhos (Greece) research group laboratory, where she got additional theoretical and hands-on training in photonics during her research. Also, she completed a two-months project in the structural analysis of super-hard coatings based on TiO2 nanowires, at the Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) laboratory of A.U.Th. She has training skills in several characterization techniques of optical spectroscopy (Raman, FTIR, XRD, SEM) and electrical measurements.
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
