Integrated Quantum Cascade Laser to Drive THz Receivers

To address the need for a high power source in the THz gap and enable the construction of a THz spectrometer, we are proposing to redesign the THz Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) as a Local Oscillator (LO) source and integrate it with a feed horn and THz mixer. The resulting THz spectrometer will require significantly lower DC power, volume and mass (<1.5 W, 0.2 lbs) than the state of the art. This approach will allow us to integrate multiple pixel receivers without requiring an additional LO source.

The proposed technology is one of the enabling components required to build a payload compatible with cubesat, suborbital, and space-based instruments. This approach can be used for astrophysics, heliophysics, Earth and planetary science missions that require a compact, tunable, and high spectral resolution spectrometer. Furthermore, NASA has directed that future Cosmic Origins (COR) strategic missions require continuous development and improvement of technologies beyond our current state-of-the-art. Raising the technology readiness level of the 1-5 THz LO was specifically given priority to be developed within the next few years in order to support a variety of instrumentation needs. Thus, this effort will have direct relevance for a wide variety of envisioned NASA science applications and future business opportunities.

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