Quasioptical Systems & Components for Terahertz Astronomy

Quasioptical Systems & Components for Terahertz Astronomy
Author: Dathon R. Golish
Publisher:
Total Pages: 464
Release: 2008
Genre:
ISBN:

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Over the past two decades, submillimeter and terahertz astronomy has grown rapidly and become an important new window for studying the universe. This growth has been enabled by the confluence of several technologies which make the design and fabrication of high frequency single and multi-pixel heterodyne receivers possible. This dissertation reviews the development of a new generation of terahertz instrumentation at the University of Arizona, with specific emphasis on their optical components and systems. These instruments include several receivers for the Antarctic Submillimeter Telescope and Remote Observatory (formerly installed at the South Pole), including a dual-frequency 492/810 GHz receiver called Wanda, a 4-pixel 810 GHz heterodyne array called PoleSTAR, and a 1.5 THz receiver called TREND. It also covers receivers for the Heinrich Hertz Submillimeter Telescope on Mt. Graham in southern Arizona. These receivers include a 7-pixel 345 GHz heterodyne array called DesertSTAR, a 64-pixel polarimeter/bolometer system called Hertz, and a 64-pixel 345 GHz heterodyne array called SuperCam. After reviewing these instruments, concepts for the next generation of arrays and terahertz telescopes designed for the high Atacama desert, Antarctica, high altitude balloon missions, and orbiting observatories will be presented. This dissertation will also cover other contributions made to terahertz astronomy, including the creation of a Gaussian beam propagation program to help design terahertz optical systems and an integrated optics design for a waveguide interferometer to be used as an alternative to traditional bulk optics systems.

Terahertz Astronomy

Terahertz Astronomy
Author: Christopher K. Walker
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 345
Release: 2015-10-16
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1466570431

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A Powerful Window into Cosmic EvolutionTerahertz (THz) observations of interstellar atoms, molecules, and dust serve as powerful probes of the conditions within the interstellar medium that permeates our galaxy, providing insights into the origins of stars, planets, galaxies, and the Universe. Taking a cross-disciplinary approach to the subject, Te

New Directions in Terahertz Technology

New Directions in Terahertz Technology
Author: J.M. Chamberlain
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 412
Release: 2012-12-06
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 940115760X

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A detailed study of the science, engineering and applications of terahertz technology, based on room-temperature solid-state devices, which are seen as the key technology for wider applications in this frequency range. The relative merits of electronic and optical devices are discussed and new device principles identified. Issues of terahertz circuit design, implementation and measurement are complemented by chapters on current and future applications in communications, sensing and remote surveillance. Audience: The unique coverage of all aspects of terahertz technology will appeal to both new and established workers in the field, as well as providing a survey for the interested reader.

Heterodyne Arrays for Terahertz Astronomy

Heterodyne Arrays for Terahertz Astronomy
Author: Jenna Lynn Kloosterman
Publisher:
Total Pages: 154
Release: 2014
Genre:
ISBN:

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The clouds of gas and dust that constitute the Interstellar Medium (ISM) within the Milky Way and other galaxies can be studied through the spectral lines of the atoms and molecules. The ISM follows a lifecycle in which each of its phases can be traced through spectral lines in the Terahertz (THz) portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, loosely defined as 0.3 - 3 THz. Using the high spectral resolution afforded by heterodyne instruments, astronomers can potentially disentangle the large-scale structure and kinematics within these clouds. In order to study the ISM over large size scales, large format THz heterodyne arrays are needed. The research presented in this dissertation focuses on the development of two heterodyne array receiver systems for ISM studies, SuperCam and a Super-THz (>3 THz) receiver. SuperCam is a 64-pixel heterodyne imaging array designed for use on ground-based submillimeter telescopes to observe the astrophysically important CO J=3-2 emission line at 345 GHz. The SuperCam focal plane stacks eight, 1x8 mixer subarrays. Each pixel in the array has its own integrated superconductor-insulator-superconductor (SIS) mixer and Low Noise Amplifier (LNA). In spring 2012, SuperCam was installed on the University of Arizona Submillimeter Telescope (SMT) for its first engineering run with 32 active pixels. A second observing run in May 2013 had 52 active pixels. With the outliers removed, the median double sideband receiver temperature was 104 K. The Super-THz receiver is designed to observe the astrophysically important neutral atomic oxygen line at 4.7448 THz. The local oscillator is a third-order distributed feedback Quantum Cascade Laser operating in continuous wave mode at 4.741 THz. A quasi-optical hot electron bolometer is used as the mixer. We record a double sideband receiver noise temperature of 815 K, which is ~7 times the quantum noise limit and an Allan variance time of 15 seconds at an effective noise fluctuation bandwidth of 18 MHz. Heterodyne performance is confirmed by measuring a methanol line spectrum. By combining knowledge of large array formats from SuperCam and quasi-optical mixers, initial tests and designs are presented to expand the single pixel 4.7 THz receiver into a quasi-optical 16-pixel array.

Semiconductor TeraHertz Technology

Semiconductor TeraHertz Technology
Author: Guillermo Carpintero
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 408
Release: 2015-07-14
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 1118920406

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Key advances in Semiconductor Terahertz (THz) Technology now promises important new applications enabling scientists and engineers to overcome the challenges of accessing the so-called "terahertz gap". This pioneering reference explains the fundamental methods and surveys innovative techniques in the generation, detection and processing of THz waves with solid-state devices, as well as illustrating their potential applications in security and telecommunications, among other fields. With contributions from leading experts, Semiconductor Terahertz Technology: Devices and Systems at Room Temperature Operation comprehensively and systematically covers semiconductor-based room temperature operating sources such as photomixers, THz antennas, radiation concepts and THz propagation as well as room-temperature operating THz detectors. The second part of the book focuses on applications such as the latest photonic and electronic THz systems as well as emerging THz technologies including: whispering gallery resonators, liquid crystals, metamaterials and graphene-based devices. This book will provide support for practicing researchers and professionals and will be an indispensable reference to graduate students in the field of THz technology. Key features: Includes crucial theoretical background sections to photomixers, photoconductive switches and electronic THz generation & detection. Provides an extensive overview of semiconductor-based THz sources and applications. Discusses vital technologies for affordable THz applications. Supports teaching and studying increasingly popular courses on semiconductor THz technology.

Quasioptical Systems

Quasioptical Systems
Author: Goldsmith
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 0
Release: 1998-02-28
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 9780412839405

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Combining a general introduction to Gaussian beams and quasioptical propagation with practical applications, Quasioptical Systems provides a state-of-the-art treatment of the design of low-loss, broadband systems at microwave to submillimeter wavelengths. The approach presented involves utilizing a beam with a Gaussian distribution of field strength perpendicular to its axis, which in turn propagates in a simple, predictable fashion.