Project Details
Projekt
Integrated terahertz quantum-cascade transceiver for high-resolution spectroscopy and space applications (iQCT)
Subject Area
Optics, Quantum Optics and Physics of Atoms, Molecules and Plasmas
Term
since 2022
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 468535812
High-resolution spectroscopy of molecular and atomic transitions inthe terhertz range has numerous fields of application. These range from astronomy and atmospheric research to applications in biomedicine and metrology. The availability of compact spectrometers is crucial for broad applicability. The aim of the project is to realize an integrated spectrometer for the range of 3-5 THz based on quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) and quantum cascade detectors (QCDs). As part of this project, these will be combined in a compact micro-optical bench (quantum cascade transceiver) that can be operated in a single compact cryocooler. The goal is a mobile spectrometer with significantly improved sensitivity compared to previous setups with cooled QCL and uncooled detectors. While uncooled detectors are fundamentally limited in their sensitivity by the thermal background, operation of conventional cryogenic terahertz detectors requires cooling to less than 10K, which relies either on liquid helium or a large pulse tube cooler. QCDs which can be operated at 40-80 K are a promising approach here, since the sensitivity limit is reduced by a factor of 30-150 compared to room temperature detectors. The development and optimization of corresponding QCDs, integration into a micro-optical setup with a QCL and demonstration of the performance of the quantum-cascade transceiver in the context of high-resolution molecular spectroscopy and applications are the central goals of the project.
DFG Programme
Priority Programmes
