External amplitude and frequency modulation of a terahertz quantum cascade laser using metamaterial/graphene devices.

ABSTRACT: Active control of the amplitude and frequency of terahertz sources is an essential prerequisite for exploiting a myriad of terahertz applications in imaging, spectroscopy, and communications. Here we present a optoelectronic, external modulation technique applied to a terahertz quantum cascade laser which holds the promise of addressing a number of important challenges in this research area. A hybrid metamaterial/graphene device is implemented into an external cavity set-up allowing for optoelectronic tuning of feedback into a quantum cascade laser. We demonstrate powerful, all-electronic, control over the amplitude and frequency of the laser output. Full laser switching is performed by electrostatic gating of the metamaterial/graphene device, demonstrating a modulation depth of 100%. Exte

SUBMITTER: Kindness SJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5550467 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature