Over the years, it has been predicted that the operating frequency in semiconductor lasers is stable over a time scale of a few nanoseconds (ie, billionths of a second) and can be in the range of a few hundred picoseconds (thousandths of nanoseconds). Realize the change.
However, so far, no detector has been able to accurately measure and prove this. The best result is only achieved on the nanosecond time scale, too slow to be effectively analyzed or used to develop the most. Effective new system.
Researchers at the University of Leeds collaborated with international colleagues from Paris, France, and the University of Queensland in Australia to analyze the entire process of laser stabilization using a terahertz frequency quantum cascade laser pointer and a technique called terahertz time-domain spectroscopy.
Terahertz power technology measures the wavelength of light in the femtosecond (millionths of a second) scale, providing researchers with unprecedented levels of detail. By understanding the speed of wavelength changes within the laser pointer and the processes that occur within a small time frame, more efficient devices and systems can be built.
According to Dr. Iman Kundu, the ultra-fast detection capability of terahertz technology is used to observe the laser pointer emission, and from the previous observation of multiple wavelengths to the observation of a billionth of a second wavelength.
“Now we can see the detailed launch of the laser over such a small time frame, and we can see how light changes from a steady state to a new steady state.”
“The benefits to commercial system designers are potential. Although terahertz technology is not suitable for many applications, we believe its value lies in the ability to highlight trends and explain the details of integrated photonic devices, which are in complex imaging systems. Used, it may be useful for the pharmaceutical or electronics field."
“Designers can apply these findings to lasers in different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum because the underlying physics will be very similar.”
Edmund Linfield, professor of terahertz electronics at the University of Leeds, said, "We are using the highly advanced capabilities of terahertz technology to illuminate the operational details of the laser pointer." "Our research is designed to provide engineers and developers with research details, how Look for ways to achieve performance improvements in their own systems. By doing so, we will improve the nation's science and engineering competitiveness globally."
The results have been published in Nature Communications and will lay the foundation for the future development of semiconductor lasers.