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Compact, thermoelectrically cooled surface emitting THz QCLs operating in an HHL housing
Sebastian Gloor1, Adrian Weisenhorn1, Léo Hetier2
1ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
Nanophotonics (Berlin, Germany)
|October 27, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed a compact 3.9 THz quantum cascade laser. This terahertz (THz) device features a unique antenna for optimized coupling and achieves significant power output, easily detectable by a room-temperature camera.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Electrical Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Terahertz (THz) technology is rapidly advancing due to improvements in sources and detectors.
- Quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) are key components in THz generation.
- Compact and efficient THz sources are crucial for various applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel 3.9 THz quantum cascade laser.
- To demonstrate a compact high heat load (HHL) housing for THz QCLs.
- To enhance far-field pattern shaping for optimized device coupling.
Main Methods:
- Development of a 3.9 THz quantum cascade laser.
- Integration into a compact high heat load (HHL) housing.
- Incorporation of a loop mirror back reflector and a dry-etched surface-emitting antenna.
Main Results:
- Experimental measurement of peak power at 1.8 mW and average power at 4.5 μW at 185 K.
- Demonstration of a shaped far-field pattern for optimized coupling.
- Successful detection of the device output using a room-temperature THz camera.
Conclusions:
- The developed THz QCL is a compact and efficient terahertz source.
- The integrated antenna design facilitates optimized coupling to external devices.
- The device performance is suitable for various terahertz applications, even with simple room-temperature detection.
