Дисертації з теми "Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy system"

Les techniques d'imagerie et de spectroscopie térahertz offrent de vastes applications dans le contrôle non destructif ou le contrôle de qualité dans la manufacture industrielle, la pharmaceutique et la biologie, l'archéologie ou encore le monde de l’art. Pour ces applications, la technique de spectroscopie térahertz dans le domaine temporel (THz-TDS) permet une analyse sur une bande passante instantanée très large (0.1-6 THz), mais nécessite généralement de déplacer mécaniquement l’échantillon à imager dans le plan focal du faisceau THz. Le travail de cette thèse porte sur l’adaptation d’un banc THz-TDS pour l’imagerie et la spectroscopie des échantillons fixes, en se basant sur le principe d’un radar à synthèse d’ouverture (SAR), en transmission. En utilisant cette technique, on démontre une reconstruction d'image en 3D avec une résolution inférieure au millimètre de plusieurs échantillons différents. Pour remédier aux temps d'acquisition prolongés, un échantillonnage spatial lacunaire est proposé, réduisant les éléments du réseau synthétique et améliorant la vitesse d'acquisition. De plus, les données reconstruites ne sont pas uniquement utilisées pour l'imagerie mais permettent également la caractérisation des paramètres optiques matériaux (l'indice de réfraction et le coefficient d'absorption) constituant l'objet imagé dans la bande de fréquence de reconstruction. Ainsi, la technique proposée permet la cartographie spectrale 2D de l'indice de réfraction à diverses fréquences térahertz. Enfin, la méthodologie proposée est appliquée à l'imagerie de sortie de guide d'ondes térahertz, illustrant sa grande flexibilité et ses vastes domaine potentielles d’utilisation
Les techniques d'imagerie et de spectroscopie térahertz offrent de vastes applications dans le control non destructif ou le contrôle de qualité dans la manufacture industrielle, la pharmaceutique et la biologie, l'archéologie ou encore le monde de l’art. Pour ces applications, la technique de spectroscopie térahertz dans le domaine temporel (THz-TDS) permet une analyse sur une bande passante instantanée très large (0.1-6 THz), mais nécessite généralement de déplacer mécaniquement l’échantillon à imager dans le plan focal du faisceau THz. Le travail de cette thèse porte sur l’adaptation d’un banc THz-TDS pour l’imagerie et la spectroscopie des échantillons fixes, en se basant sur le principe d’un radar à synthèse d’ouverture (SAR), en transmission. En utilisant cette technique, on démontre une reconstruction d'image en 3D avec une résolution inférieure au millimètre de plusieurs échantillons différents. Pour remédier au temps d'acquisition prolongés, un échantillonnage spatial lacunaire est proposé, réduisant les éléments du réseau synthétique et améliorant la vitesse d'acquisition. De plus, les données reconstruites ne sont pas uniquement utilisées pour l'imagerie mais permettent également la caractérisation des paramètres optiques matériaux (l'indice de réfraction et le coefficient d'absorption) constituant l'objet imagé dans la bande de fréquence de reconstruction. Ainsi, la technique proposée permet la cartographie spectrale 2D de l'indice de réfraction à diverses fréquences térahertz. Enfin, la méthodologie proposée est appliquée à l'imagerie de sortie de guide d'ondes térahertz, illustrant sa grande flexibilité et ses vastes domaine potentielles d’utilisation

The electric properties of materials in the THz spectrum are of significant interest for scientific research in the past two decades thanks to the development of THz-TDS systems. However, the measurement capability of the system is still bound by the low efficiency and instability of the system. In this work, a thorough assessment of the THz-TDS system is carried out in order to enhance the measurement capability of the system and provide guidelines for accurate and repeatable measurements. In Chapter 2, the operation fundamentals of THz-TDS systems including the generation and detection are reviewed. The limitations of THz-TDS systems are evaluated in the aspects of dynamic range, signal-to-noise ratio, and spectral resolution. The influence of systematic parameters are addressed and examined. In Chapter 3, a systematic characterisation of the performance of PCAs is performed. The performance of THz PCA is evaluated with respect to the intrinsic and extrinsic excitation parameters, as well as the power collection efficiency within the THz-TDS system. Performance evaluation is carried out in combination of experimental measurements and numerical modellings. Chapter 4 extensively investigates the sensitivity of the THz-TDS system regarding on misalignment of the components. An EM simulation model is built for the evaluation. Point E-field respond in frequency domain and time-domain are examined corresponding directly to the detection signal, and compared with lab measurements. The model is then extended to study the field distribution inside the system. Mode analysis of the field is conducted to discover the pattern of energy coupling related to misalignment. Chapter 5 aims to further enhance the efficiency and radiation characteristics of THz PCAs by adapting the concept of antenna array. The influence of array configuration is assessed by array factor analysis. Coupling conditions of array parameters are established. Performance dependences of THz PCAs on the array geometrics are extensively studied in theory, and tested against experiment. Chapter 6 assess the implementation of plasmonoic structures for the improvement of efficiency and power at the THz generation process. Fundamentals are discussed and structures are designed accordingly. Optimisation principles in consideration of the carrier properties are proposed and practised. Photoconductive antennas with plasmonic structures are fabricated and tested in a THz-TDS system, and the results are compared with simulation.

The aim of the doctoral thesis is the study of Terahertz time domain spectrometers relying on telecommunication fiber technology. Optical fiber offers low losses, high stability and compactness, features that ease the deployment of this kind of sensing instruments in industrial scenarios. The development of terahertz signal sources working at telecom wavelengths has enabled the employment of mature, telecom-related photonic components that allowed a transition within THz research from being mainly object of scientific interest to an application-oriented technology. In this thesis, fiber terahertz systems utilizing ultrafast photoconductors with integrated antenna structures have been investigated at different levels, including the control of the photoconductor structure, as well as at instrument and system levels. The carrier transport in InGaAs-InAlAs multilayer hetero-structures, present in the employed photoconductive antennas, has been investigated under the additional injection of a continuous optical wave. By varying the amplitude level of the respective optical signal injected into either the emitter or the receiver, it has been shown that the amplitude of the detected photocurrent could be controlled without affecting its bandwidth. Unlike increasing the optical power of the pulsed signal, raising the continuous optical power results in a reduction of the measured photocurrent. This lowering of the conductivity is related to changes in the instantaneous carrier momentum relaxation time in the photoactive material, rather than to variations of the free carrier density level. This behavior affects systems including continuous-wave optical components, as, for instance, optical amplifiers. The effect has been further exploited to modulate the operation conditions of photoconductive antennas, enabling an all-optical control of the THz amplitude. This represents a method to implement a signal modulation, necessary, for instance, for lock-in signal detection. Different industrial applications and THz imaging systems require fast data acquisition. Slow, stepwise working mechanical optical delay lines are about to be replaced by faster schemes. A fast THz-time-domain spectroscopy system using a coil-based rapid mechanic delay line has been set up and analyzed. A convenience of usage of optical fibers is the simplicity of signal multiplication and distribution. It can be exploited to allow centralized operation of a set of parallel terahertz sensing units. A centralized architecture with optical source sharing simplifies the implementation as well as the cost of nondestructive inspection platforms, where several sensing units would have to work in the same facility, for example at quality control in factories or security checkpoints. The cost of such a distribution system is evaluated, its feasibility experimentally demonstrated, and key features relevant to the system performance are discussed. The present document is formally structured in a brief introduction, Chapter 2, which review common terahertz technology as a whole, with the focus on optoelectronic schemes and respective technology in the telecom band. Chapter 3 includes work carried out dealing with the carrier dynamics under continuous optical wave irradiation of the photoconductive antenna modules and the application of the effect as modulation method. Chapter 4 deals with the implementation of the fast delay in the system and Chapter 5 describes and analyses architecture for parallel, remotely controlled sensing. Finally, Chapter 6 provides conclusion and future work perspectives.
El objetivo de la presente Tesis Doctoral es el estudio de espectroscopios temporales de Terahercios basados en tecnología de fibra óptica para telecomunicaciones. La fibra óptica ofrece bajas pérdidas de propagación, alta estabilidad y la capacidad de implementar sistemas robustos y compactos, características que facilitan el despliegue de este tipo de instrumentos de sensado en escenarios industriales. El desarrollo de fuentes de THz que operan en la banda infrarroja empleada en telecomunicaciones permite el uso de componentes maduros de la industria de las comunicaciones ópticas, lo que a su vez se ha traducido en una transición desde el uso de la banda de THz básicamente para intereses científicos al desarrollo de sistemas para aplicaciones industriales. En la presente tesis se investigan sistemas de THz basados en antenas fotoconductivas y fibra óptica a distintos niveles: control de la estructura fotoconductiva, instrumento y sistema. El transporte de portadores en heteroestructuras multicapa InGaAs-InAlAs, empleadas actualmente en antenas fotoconductivas, se ha investigado bajo la inyección de una onda óptica continua. Se ha observado que variando el nivel de amplitud de esta onda continua tanto en el emisor como en el receptor es posible controlar la fotocorriente detectada sin afectar a su ancho de banda. A diferencia de un incremento en la potencia óptica de la señal pulsada, elevar el nivel de continua resulta en una reducción de la fotocorriente medida. Esta reducción de la conductividad se relaciona con cambios en el tiempo de relajación del momento de los portadores en el material fotoactivo en lugar de variaciones de la densidad de portadores libres. Este comportamiento puede tener un efecto en sistemas que introduzcan componentes ópticos continuos como por ejemplo sistemas de sensado que empleen amplificadores ópticos. Este efecto puede ser usado para modular las condiciones de operación de las antenas fotoconductivas permitiendo el control todo-óptico del sistema. Este método permite modular la señal, lo que resulta necesario por ejemplo para realizar detección lock-in. Tanto diferentes aplicaciones industriales como los sistemas de imagen en THz requieren sistemas rápidos de captura. Para ello es necesario sustituir las líneas de retardo ópticas tradicionales basadas en motores paso-a-paso por otros sistemas de mayor velocidad. Se ha implementado y caracterizado un sistema THz-TDS usando una línea de retardo rápida basada en bobinas de voz. Una característica fundamental de la fibra óptica es su extraordinaria simplicidad para realizar la distribución de señales ópticas. Esta característica puede ser explotada para permitir la operación centralizada de un conjunto paralelo de sensores de THz. Una arquitectura centralizada en la que la fuente óptica se comparte entre muchos sensores simplifica la implementación y reduce el coste de sistemas de inspección no destructiva que requieran de múltiples sensores en paralelo, como, por ejemplo, en control de calidad industrial o en controles de seguridad. Se ha evaluado el coste de estos sistemas distribuidos, se ha validado experimentalmente su viabilidad y se han identificado y estudiado sus prestaciones. El documento de la tesis doctoral se estructura formalmente en una breve introducción, el capítulo 2, en el que se revisa la tecnología de THz en su conjunto, los esquemas optoelectrónicos y el uso de tecnologías ópticas basadas en la banda de las telecomunicaciones. El capítulo 3 incluye el estudio realizado sobre la dinámica de los portadores bajo la irradiación dela antena fotoconductiva con una onda óptica continua y su uso como técnica de modulación. El capítulo 4 trata con la implementación de un sistema THz-TDS rápido mientras que el capítulo 5 describe y analiza una arquitectura de sensado paralela para reducir costes. Finalmente el capítulo 6 recoge las conclusiones y futuras líneas de actuación.
L'objectiu de la present Tesi Doctoral és l'estudi d'espectroscopis temporals de terahertzs basats en tecnologia de fibra òptica per a telecomunicacions. La fibra òptica ofereix baixes pèrdues de propagació, alta estabilitat i la capacitat d'implementar sistemes robustos i compactes, característiques que faciliten el desplegament d'aquest tipus d'instruments de sensat en escenaris industrials. El desenvolupament de fonts de THz que operen a la banda infraroja emprada en telecomunicacions permet l'ús de components madurs de la indústria de les comunicacions òptiques, el que al seu torn s'ha traduït en una transició des de l'ús de la banda de THz bàsicament per interessos científics al desenvolupament de sistemes per a aplicacions industrials. En la present tesi s'investiguen sistemes de THz basats en antenes fotoconductivas i fibra òptica a diferents nivells: control de l'estructura fotoconductiva, instrument i sistema. El transport de portadors en heteroestructures multicapa InGaAs-InAlAs, emprades actualment en antenes fotoconductivas, s'ha investigat sota la injecció d'una ona òptica contínua. S'ha observat que variant el nivell d'amplitud d'aquesta ona contínua tant en l'emissor com en el receptor és possible controlar la fotocorriente detectada sense afectar el seu ample de banda. A diferència d'un increment en la potència òptica del senyal polsada, elevar el nivell de contínua resulta en una reducció de la fotocorrent mesurada. Aquesta reducció de la conductivitat es relaciona amb canvis en el temps de relaxació del moment dels portadors en el material fotoactiu en lloc de variacions de la densitat de portadors lliures. Aquest comportament pot tenir un efecte en sistemes que introdueixin components òptics continus com ara sistemes de sensat que utilitzen amplificadors òptics. Aquest efecte pot ser usat per modular les condicions d'operació de les antenes fotoconductivas permetent el control tot-òptic del sistema. Aquest mètode permet modular el senyal, el que resulta necessari per exemple per realitzar detecció lock-in. Tant diferents aplicacions industrials com els sistemes d'imatge en THz requereixen sistemes ràpids de captura. Per a això és necessari substituir les línies de retard òptiques tradicionals basades en motors pas-a-pas per altres sistemes de major velocitat. S'ha implementat i caracteritzat un sistema THz-TDS usant una línia de retard ràpida basada en bobines de veu. Una característica fonamental de la fibra òptica és la seua extraordinària simplicitat per realitzar la distribució de senyals òptiques. Aquesta característica pot ser explotada per a permetre l'operació centralitzada d'un conjunt paral·lel de sensors de THz. Una arquitectura centralitzada en la qual la font òptica es comparteix entre molts sensors simplifica la implementació i redueix el cost de sistemes d'inspecció no destructiva que requereixin de múltiples sensors en paral·lel, com, per exemple, en control de qualitat industrial o en controls de seguretat . S'ha avaluat el cost d'aquests sistemes distribuïts, s'ha validat experimentalment la seua viabilitat i s'han identificat i estudiat les seues prestacions. El document de la tesi doctoral s'estructura formalment en una breu introducció, capítol 2, en el qual es revisa la tecnologia de THz en el seu conjunt, els esquemes optoelectrònics i l'ús de tecnologies òptiques basades en la banda de les telecomunicacions. El capítol 4 inclou l'estudi realitzat sobre la dinàmica dels portadors sota la irradiació de la antena fotoconductiva amb una ona òptica contínua i el seu ús com a tècnica de modulació. El capítol 5 tracta la implementació d'un sistema THz-TDS ràpid mentre que el capítol 6 descriu i analitza una arquitectura de sensat paral·lela per reduir costos. Finalment, el capítol 7 recull les conclusions i futures línies d'actuació.
Bockelt, AS. (2017). Fiber-based Terahertz Time-Domain Spectroscopy Systems Operated in the Telecom Band [Tesis doctoral no publicada]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/86148
TESIS

The aim of dissertation was to develop and explore the semiconductor material terahertz (THz) pulse emitters, for Terahertz time–domain spectroscopy (THz–TDS) systems using a 1 μm wavelength femtosecond laser radiation. THz pulse generation and detection using optoelectronic semiconductor components in THz–TDS excited by femtosecond laser pulses become these days a powerful experimental technique. Traditionally, mode-locked Ti:sapphire lasers emitting at the wavelengths ~800 nm are used. However Ti:sapphire lasers require many-stage optical pumping arrangement, the system is quite bulky and complicated. The solution could be the lasers emitting in 1 – 1.55 µm, which can be directly pumped by diode laser bars. Recently, several compact, efficient and cost-effective solid-state and fiber laser systems that generate femtosecond pulses at near-infrared wavelengths have been developed and employed for activating THz–TDS systems. The main obstacle of these systems is the lack of material with appropriate bandgap, high dark resistivity and short (~ ps) carrier lifetimes.
Disertacijos darbo tikslas buvo sukurti ir ištirti puslaidininkinius terahercinių (THz) impulsų emiterius ir detektorius, skirtus sistemoms, naudojančioms 1 μm bangos ilgio femtosekundinę lazerinę spinduliuotę. THz impulsų generavimo ir detektavimo sistema, kurios optoelektroninius puslaidininkinius komponentus aktyvuoja femtosekundiniai lazerio impulsai, yra plačiai taikoma terahercinėje laikinės srities spektroskopijoje. Tradiciškai tokiose sistemose naudojami Ti:safyre femtosekundiniai lazeriai, kurių spinduliuotės bangos ilgis yra ~800 nm. Šios sistemos nėra patogios dėl jų matmenų, nes lazeriai turi sudėtingą kelių pakopų kaupinimo sistemą. Pastaruoju metu THz impulsų generavimui vis dažniau naudojami femtosekundiniai kietakūniai ir šviesolaidiniai lazeriai, kurių spinduliuotės bangos ilgis patenka į artimosios IR spinduliuotės sritį. Tačiau šios sistemos vis dar neturi tinkamos medžiagos fotolaidiems elementams gaminti, kurie būtų žadinami 1 – 1,55 µm bangos ilgio lazeriais. Tokios medžiagos, visų pirmą, turi būti jautrios optinei spinduliuotei, o jų draustinės energijos tarpas turi atitikti žadinamos spinduliuotės fotonų energiją, be to sluoksniai turi pasižymėti didele tamsine varža bei labai trumpomis krūvininkų gyvavimo trukmėmis (~ 1 ps). Šioje disertacijoje yra pateikiami THz impulsų generavimo panaudojus puslaidininkių paviršius ir fotolaidžias antenas rezultatai, žadinant 1 µm bangos ilgio femtosekundiniais lazerio impulsais.

The field of terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) is still far from reaching its full potential, but is a very promising utility for a wide range of applications. Principle experiments have been performed in fields of drug screening, pharmaceutical, medical diagnostics, security imaging and detection of explosives. Optimized and adapted THz-TDS systems holds great promise for driving this technology further.The purpose of this thesis was to build a THz-TDS system, explore possibilities for improving this system and to perform THz-TDS measurements on semiconductors and wood. The aim of the experimental work was to build a stable and reliable system with an electric field strength of THz radiation in the order of kV/cm. The THz-TDS system used in this thesis was based upon the principles of optical rectification and free-space electro-optic sampling in zinc telluride (ZnTe) crystals using a femtosecond Ti:Sapphire amplified laser.Theoretical studies were performed on the principles of generation and detection of THz radiation. The experimental work was based on publications of similar experiments. Theoretical and experimental studies lead to several modifications and improvements of the setup first built in this thesis. Experiments were performed on disparate materials to find suitable materials for THz transmission. Results from measurements performed on semiconductors and wood, obtained by THz-TDS, were analysed to find the absorption coefficient and the refractive index of the materials. The spectroscopic information obtained by THz-TDS can also be used to find the conductivity and the mobility of these materials. THz-TDS measures the electric field and therefore provides information of both the amplitude and the phase of the THz wave. A Fourier transformation was used to obtain the frequency spectrum of the detected signal. The improvements were done by analysing the results of the detected signal to see which adjustments and modifications to the setup that had positive effects on the results. The pump power used for generation of THz radiation and the optimum azimuthal angle of the ZnTe crystals were crucial to obtain a THz-TDS system with a strong electric field. The maximum electric field strength for the THz radiation in this thesis was 13.2 kV/cm, with a signal-to-noise ratio of 43 and dynamic range of 1500.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of California, Riverside, 2010.
Includes abstract. Title from first page of PDF file (viewed May 18, 2010). Includes bibliographical references. Issued in print and online. Available via ProQuest Digital Dissertations.

Physics
Ph.D.
Terahertz (THz) has become a strong area for scientific research and commercial application in recent years. This research group has redesigned and optimized a THz photoconductive antenna, which currently operates with approximately 10x the power of a commercial antenna. It has been determined by this research that the THz signal emitted from a photoconductive antenna consists of coherent and incoherent signals. In addition to the improvement of the THz photoconductive antenna, I have optimized an electro optic THz detection system by characterizing the field dependency of an electro optic crystal, which enabled me to estimate the THz electric field strength. The high power THz source and optimized detection system were combined into a high power, high resolution time domain THz spectrometer. This spectrometer was used to conduct original measurements of the THz spectrum of water vapor, ionized air, and various chemical vapor including explosives. Most of these measurements were only possible with our improved THz spectrometer. In order to understand ionized air, an additional study was carried out to explore the ionization of several gases (e.g. N2, O2, Ar, CO2, and water vapor) which were ionized by radioactive isotopes. This unique study found that in addition to dose rate, the gamma energy of the radioactive isotopes and the sequential ionization levels of gases affect the equilibrium ion densities of these gases. This effect was especially pronounced for argon gas. The study of ion dynamics in gases has lead to the development of a prototype for stand-off detection and identification of radioactive isotopes. This prototype, despite being simple in design, can detect isotopes faster and more cheaply than a conventional gamma ray spectrometer. Throughout this thesis research I have successfully developed a high power, high resolution terahertz spectrometer and demonstrated that with the spectrometer I could identify characteristic resonances of water vapor, some chemicals including explosives, and even ionized air produced by nuclear isotopes. From the characteristic resonance frequencies one can understand the underlying physics or chemistry of molecules or atoms.
Temple University--Theses

Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy systems were developed and used for the anaylsis and characterization of various materials. By using ultra-fast Ti:Sapphire and Er-doped fiber lasers, terahertz time-domain spectrometers of different configurations were constructed and tested. To increase the accuracy and sensitivity of the measurements, the systems were optimized for spectroscopic analysis. MBE grown nominally undoped epitaxial GaAs samples were used for the spectroscopic measurements. These samples were first charactrized by electrical measurements in order to check the accuracy of the terahertz time-domain experiments. We have shown that the terahertz time-domin spectroscopic techniques provides a quick way of the determining the real ( ) and complex () components of the refractive index of material. In addition, we have investigated the photoexcitation dynamics of these GaAs samples. We have demonstrated that direct and photoexcited terahertz time-domain measurements give an estimate of the carrier densities and both the hole and electron mobility values with good precision. rnin An algorithm is developed to prevent the unwanted Fabry-Perot reflections which is commonly encountered in Terahertz Spectroscopy systems. We have performed terahertz time-domain transmission measurements on ZnTe <
110>
crystals of various thicknesses to test the applicability of this algorithm. We have shown that the algorithm developed provides a quick way of eliminating the &ldquo
etalon&rdquo
reflections from the data. In addition, it is also shown that these &ldquo
etalon&rdquo
effects can be used for the frequency calibration of terahertz time-domain spectrometers.

In terahertz time domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) material parameter extraction is necessary for determining the complex refractive index of materials in the THz region. The process of material parameter extraction requires the fitting of a theoretical model for the propagation the THz pulse through the material to experimentally acquired THz time domain data, where by the complex refractive index of the theoretical model is varied until it fits the experimental data. It requires close agreement between a model of the THz electric field propagation and experimental THz data for accurate extraction of the complex refractive index. In this thesis I report on the methods of material parameter extraction with the goal of accurately determining the complex refractive index of materials within the THz region. I also investigate a series of optimisation techniques from understanding the behaviour of the extracted complex refractive index for different model assumptions and initial parameters. The inclusion of the material parameter extraction optimisation techniques allows for material parameter extraction methods which are similar to the state of the art in the field. Material placed at the THz focus are commonly investigated using the plane wave assumption for material parameter extraction. I demonstrate an extraction method which models a converging beam, this improves the accuracy of the extracted complex refractive indices for materials placed in focused THz-time domain spectrometers. Furthermore, I have developed an elegant method to determine the angular beam profile of the focussed THz beam by using the converging beam extraction method. Finally I report on the THz-TDS performance of photoconductive THz generation and detection from a high peak power vertical external cavity surface emitting laser (VECSEL). VECSELs are optically pumped semiconductor disk lasers (SDL) which are inherently compact, have multi-GHz repetition rates and could lead to a cost effective THz spectrometer system.

The idea of terahertz-time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) is to exploit a single cycle, spectrally broad THz radiation pulse to gain insight into the response of matter. Photoconductive devices and nonlinear crystals are utilized in both the generation as well as the coherent detection of THz radiation. The relatively high cost and the complexity of commonly used titanium-sapphire lasers hinder a more widespread use of pulsed THz systems for commercial applications. Er-doped femtosecond fiber lasers operating at 1.55 μm could offer a viable alternative. In this thesis nonlinear crystals and photoconductive emitters are discussed for excitation in the near infrared (NIR) window of between 800 nm to 1550 nm. The main focus of this thesis is a detailed study of substrate materials for an interdigitated photoconductive antenna. Photoconductive antennas with microstructured electrodes provide high electric acceleration fields at moderate voltages because of small electrode separations. The scalability of these devices allows for large active areas in the mm^2 range, which are sufficient for excitation at large optical powers. In comparison with conventional emitter structures, these antennas have more favourable characteristics regarding THz power, spectral properties, and ease of handling. Depending on the utilized substrate material, photoconductive antennas can then be operated using different excitation wavelengths. By employing substrates with short carrier trapping times these antennas can be operated as THz-detectors. Moreover the design of electrode structures for generating radially and azimuthally polarized THz waves are presented. A second topic deals with the signal analysis and signal interpretation of THz pulses transmitted through several material systems. These experiments show the potential for tomographic and spectroscopic applications. The third part deals with THz emission by frequency mixing in nonlinear organic and inorganic crystals. Hereby the focus is on polaritonic phase matching in GaAs. Furthermore, indications of THz tunability by the excitation wavelength were found by utilizing waveguide structures. However, the observed tuning range is much lower then theoretically predicted. Specific reasons for this are discussed.

This Master's thesis presents numerical and experimental results that benchmark a state-of-the-art terahertz time-domain spectrometer. We begin by describing the theory behind the nonlinear optical mechanisms through which we generate and detect short pulses of THz radiation. Based on a coherent electro-optic detection scheme, our measurements trace out the oscillating electric field of the THz pulses generated from the optical mixing process of optical rectification. A numerical simulation based on the theory presented in this work helps present the physical intuition behind our use of these nonlinear optical processes and is furthermore used to complement our measurements with theory. Utilizing the simultaneous amplitude and phase information provided by our detection scheme, we perform terahertz time-domain spectroscopy on sample materials. Our samples of interest are the III-V zinc-blende semiconductors GaP and ZnTe which are nonlinear media popular for their advantageous dispersive and absorptive properties in the terahertz range. Therefore, the thesis culminates in the demonstration of a material parameter extraction procedure which we use to obtain the complex refractive index of a GaP crystal and a ZnTe crystal.

Developments in semiconductor and laser technologies have facilitated development of terahertz (THz)-frequency (˜2-200 cm-1) technologies. Results published in the literature as far back as the early 20th century demonstrate the utility of this frequency range for myriad applications, but the improved performance of modern THz technologies has renewed interest in THz-frequency analysis. Material presented in this dissertation focuses on three applications of terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS): quantitation of gas-phase molecular species, analysis of polymeric materials, and investigation of dental tissue/composite structures. Gas phase species were quantified individually at concentrations ranging from several parts per million to several parts per thousand using various chemometric methods. Quantitative model robustness was evaluated by comparison of model precision, and partial least-squares (PLS) regressions provided the greatest precision. Species were quantified in mixtures using PLS with errors of prediction below the permissible exposure limits (PELs) set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The effect of spectral broadening as a result of overall sample pressure was investigated, and species were analyzed in mixtures at various overall pressures. Errors of prediction were again near or below the PELs, demonstrating the utility of this method for atmospheric analysis. Chemical selectivity available in THz spectral features was evaluated and compared to selectivity available in infrared frequencies. Spectral parameters measured in the THz frequency range also provide insight into structural properties of polymeric materials. In some cases, spectral peaks may be used to identify the temperature at which phase changes occur within these materials. THz refractive index spectra were found to be a sensitive and non-destructive tool for identification of phase transition temperatures. The time-resolved measurement of THz-TDS makes it particularly useful for rapid, non-destructive analysis of layered structures. Ordinarily, the strength of bonds between dental tissues and composite materials are evaluated in the laboratory using destructive failure analyses. Transparency of dental tissues and composite materials used for restorative procedures to THz pulses allows investigation of interfaces between these materials. Refractive index spectra indicate locations in which delamination has occurred between bonded layers. These results provide an overview of unique capabilities of the THz-TDS method in real-life spectral analyses.

This thesis is on the topic of investigation of the characteristics of DC Glow Discharge plasmas. Emphasis is given on characterizing the plasma electron density. The methods of generating and detecting THz pulses are described. THz transmission spectroscopy and plasma emission spectroscopy is examined. Transmission spectrum is taken for Air, gaseous Nitrogen and Argon plasmas. Moreover, emission spectrum of Air, N2 and Ar plasma analysis were done respectively. It was found that the transmission of terahertz pulses through nitrogen plasma was considerably affected compared to that of the argon plasma. Initially Drude model theory of electron conduction is employed to analyze the plasma density.

Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) probes inter-molecular interactions within solid materials. THz-TDS covers the spectral region of 0.1-3 THz or 5-100 cm-1 which is a low energy and non-ionizing region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Spectra are collected in a time-domain configuration where a coherent broad-band pulse of THz electromagnetic radiation passes through a sample and gated-detection is used to monitor the electric-field vector of the transmitted THz radiation. This methodology permits a direct measure of the time-of-flight of THz radiation through the sample and, as a result, provides a direct means to measure interactions between the propagating THz electromagnetic wave and the sample material. Time of interaction between the THz wave and the sample gives a measure of the optical and electronic properties of the material and attenuation of the propagating THz wave gives information pertaining to both absorption and scattering properties of the sample. The analytical utility of these features of THz-TDS is explored in this dissertation. Cocrystals represent a novel class of supra-molecular materials composed of two or more inorganic or organic units (molecules, ions or atoms) configured within a crystalline structure. The components interact by hydrogen bonding, π-π stacking or weak Vander Waals interactions to create ordered structures with unique chemical and physical properties. The potential of such unique properties has spurred efforts to design cocrystal materials specifically direct toward long-standing problems within the fields of pharmaceutics and electronics. Research findings presented in this dissertation demonstrate the potential of THz-TDS as an analytical tool for characterizing fundamental chemical and physical properties of cocrystal materials, thereby providing the means to advance the rational design of cocrystal materials for selected applications. The analytical utility of THz-TDS is established through a series of transmission measurements through samples composed of the cocrystal of interest embedded within a polymeric matrix. Both high-density polyethylene and polytetrafluoroethylene are used to form compressed pellets containing cocrystals for analysis. Initial efforts demonstrate quantitation of cocrystalline materials within such pellets through a Beer-Lambert relationship where the magnitude of selected absorption bands is related to the amount of a cocrystal within a given pellet. In addition, time-domain THz spectra are used to determine the refractive index of sample pellets and this information is shown to provide dielectric spectra at THz frequencies for the cocrystal components of the sample pellets. The so-called LLL model is applied to generate accurate dielectric information for the cocrystal component of these pellets on the basis of volume fraction. The ability to measure the polarizability of cocrystals is also demonstrated by applying the Clausius-Mossitti relationship between polarizability and dielectric spectra. The utility of the established analytical features of THz-TDS is demonstrated in a series of preliminary experiments designed to: 1) follow the single-crystal-single-crystal (SCSC)[2+2] photodimerization reaction of 2(5-cyano-resorcinol)∙2(trans-1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene) to produce rctt-tetrakis(4-pyridyl) cyclobutane; 2) establish the relationship between polarizability and hardness for a series of cocrystals; and 3) determine differences in polarization of cocrystals produced by different synthetic methods. Results support the following conclusions: 1)kinetics of SCSC reactions can be followed through dielectric measurements, but concentration measurements are confounded by unique spectroscopic features observed for partially reacted cocrystals; 2) polarizability at THz frequencies are inversely related to hardness of the tested cocrystals; 3) differences are observed in the polarizability of macro versus nano size cocrystals; and 4) polarizability of these cocrystals is independent of synthesis method.

In this study, suspensions of metallic nanoparticles in base fluids, nanofluids, are investigated by using terahertz time domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS). Nanofluids are used as the working fluid in a variety of applications especially for the purpose of heat transfer enhancement. Polar fluids are being used as the base in nanofluids for their tendency to stop aggregation and sedimentation. Polar fluids highly absorb THz signal. In order to select the best possible host, various polar liquids have been investigated, and isopropanol (99.5%) is selected to be the best candidate for its low THz absorptivity when compared to ethanol (99.5%), ethylene glycol (99%), methanol (95%) and distilled water. Ag, Pd and Cu nanoparticles have been custom-made in isopropanol by laser ablation method, and the size distributions have been characterized by Zeta Potential Analyzer. The nanoparticle diameters are measured to be on average 10 nm, 12 nm and 75 nm for Ag, Cu and Pd, respectively. Nanofluids of 1X, 2X and 3X concentrations of Ag, Cu and Pd nanoparticles have been prepared by diluting with pure (99.5%) isopropanol. Measurements have been repeated after 7 days up to 12 days in order to check for aggregations and sedimentations. THz-TDS is a strong tool to analyze the refractive index and absorption coefficient, but no distinct difference was observed in the frequency domain analysis for the nanofluid samples. On the other hand, in the time domain data analysis, a shift on the time data with a change in transmission was observed. For Ag nanoparticles a positive time shift with a decrease in transmission with increasing concentration was observed. For Cu nanoparticles an interesting negative time shift and an increase in the intensity was observed with increasing concentration. The Pd nanoparticle solution scans showed almost no shift initially, but a negative time shift after a wait period on the order of days. A model of the transmission of the THz pulse through the nanofluid was developed based on transmission/reflection coefficients due to both dielectric and conducting layered media. The model well explains the positive time shift seen with Ag nanoparticle suspensions but fails to explain the shift seen with the Cu nanoparticle suspensions due to the long path length inside the nanofluid. Negative time-shifts can only be explained by decreasing the path length which suggests additional layering inside the nanofluid medium, or assuming that the chemical composition of the isopropanol host has changed with the addition of Cu and/or Pd nanoparticles. The positive time shifts observed with the Ag nanoparticle suspensions allowed for estimating the change in refractive index of the base fluid. From this change, using effective medium theory based on Maxwell-Garnett model, the concentrations of the nanoparticles were estimated. The results agree within an order of magnitude to commercially available nanofluids which are also non-aggregate.

This thesis presents studies of novel terahertz photonic devices, including photoconductive optoelectronic devices and guided-wave components, aimed at the development of next-generation terahertz systems. In chapter 2, a scalable interdigitated THz transmitter is designed to increase the output power and compared with a conventional 50 μm coplanar transmitter. In chapter 3, we compare four different receivers with different antenna geometries in terms of bandwidth and sensitivity. Then we describe a photoconductive near-field detector with a subwavelength aperture and its system integration and characterization. In chapter 4, a parallel metal plate waveguide is designed with an integrated step inside the waveguide that can couple to higher order TM modes efficiently from the TEM mode. In this chapter, we also experimentally and numerically study a 2-dimensionally tapered parallel plate waveguide, by which a free-space THz beam can be focused into a deep subwavelength-scale volume. In chapter 5, a parallel thin dielectric film waveguide is used to explore the guiding mechanism of an antiresonant optical reflection waveguide. Cylindrical silica single capillaries and a microstructured capillary, which guide in a similar way, are characterized in terms of mode profiles and attenuation. In chapter 6, we study oblique transmission through freestanding thin nickel films, which are perforated with periodic conical hole arrays. Surface modes can be supported by both metallic surfaces with different nonlinear dispersion curves, which results in spectral interferences in a near-field region when the surface modes couple out of the waveguide into free space.

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2014.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Terahertz (THz) radiation is often used in many promising applications such as information and communication technology and airport security. Optimized and adapted terahertz fields hold huge promise for leading this technology further. This study is focused on terahertz time domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS). In THz-TDS the electric field is measured, therefore both amplitude and phase information of the THz pulse can be obtained. We used the pump-probe technique in order to measure a THz pulse from the photoconductive antenna. A pulsed fiber laser with FWHM of ' 100 fs was used for this. The frequency spectrum of the measured THz pulse was obtained via a fast Fourier transform. We studied the principles of the THz pulse generation as well as detection, with a photoconductive antenna as emitter and detector. In this study terahertz spectroscopy has been used to investigate the refractive index and absorption coefficient of different types of materials in the terahertz region. The last part of this study deals with a simple process for material parameter extraction of a polymer sample using commercial software called Teramat1.0. It uses the sample thickness, the reference THz pulse and the transmitted THz pulse to retrieve the complex refractive index of the sample.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Terahertz (THz) straling word gereeld gebruik vir belowende toepassings soos inligting en kommunikasie tegnologie en lughawe sekuriteit. Geoptimeerde en aangepaste terahertz velde dra by tot die bevordering van die tegnologie. Hierdie studie fokus op terahertz tyd domein spektroskopie (THz-TDS). In THz-TDS word die elektriese veld gemeet en dus word beide amplitude en fase inligting van die THz puls verkry. Ons gebruik ’n pomp en toets tegniek om die THz puls deur ’n fotogeleidende antenna te bepaal. ’n Gepulseerde vesel laser met FWHM van 100 fs word hiervoor benut. Die frekwensie spektrum van die gemete THz puls word bereken deur ’n vinnige Fourier transvorm te bereken. Die beginsels van die generering en deteksie van THz pulse is bestudeer met ’n fotogeleidende antenna as sender en ontvanger. In die studie is terahertz spektroskopie gebruik om die brekingsindekse en die absorpsie koeffisiënte van verskillende materiale in die terahertz gebied te bepaal. Die laaste gedeelte van die studie handel oor ’n eenvoudige proses om die materiaal parameters van ’n polimeer te bepaal deur gebruik te maak van kommersiële sagteware Teramat 1.0. Die monster dikte, die THz verwysingspuls en die deurgelate puls word gebruik om die komplekse brekingsindeks van die materiaal te bereken.

The goal of this thesis is to describe development of compact terahertz time-domain spectrometer driven by a mode-locked Ti:Sapphire laser. The terahertz radiation was generated by photoconductive antenna method and detected by electro-optic detection method. In this thesis, several terahertz generation and detection method, working principle of terahertz time-domain spectroscopy and its applications are discussed. We mainly focused on working principle of terahertz time-domain spectroscopy and characterization of detected terahertz power using electro-optic detection method.

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2015.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Recent progress in laser and semiconductor technology has allowed for far easier generation and measuring of coherent terahertz radiation, a previously difficult region in the radiation spectrum to coherently generate. Time based terahertz spectroscopy is a rather unique form of spectroscopy. Not only is it time based, but the electric field is measured instead of the intensity. This allows for the measurement of the complex refractive index. From this one can obtain certain details of the structure and environment of the sample being studied. A terahertz time-domain spectroscopy setup was constructed during this project. This setup used low temperature grown GaAs photoconductive antennae, with multiple antenna size options available for both the receiving and transmitting antennae. After the construction and alignment of this setup, the antennae were characterized. Lastly measurements were performed on the background, sugar and silicon to demonstrate the capabilities of the system. It was found that the measured terahertz electric field amplitude increased with the intensity of the pump pulse and that the amplitude of the measured terahertz electric field was dependent on the polarization of the pump pulse. As the size of the antenna was increased so too did the amplitude of the measured electric field and conversely the bandwidth of the measured terahertz electric field decreased with the increase of antenna size. This held true for both the transmitting and receiving antennae.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Danksê onlangse tegnologiese onwikkelings in lasers en halfgeleier het dit veel makliker geraak om terahertz straling te genereer wat fase samehangendheid toon. Voor hierdie ontwikkelings was straling in hierdie spektrale gebied moeilik om te genereer op ’n wyse wat fase samehangendheid toon. Tyd verwante terahertz spektroskopie is taamlik uniek, aangesien die metings in tyd geneem word en die elektriese veld amplitude word pleks van die intensiteit gemeet. Een van die voordele van hierdie metode is dat dit toelaat vir die meeting van die komplekse brekingsindeks van monsters. Dit is moontlik om van die komplekse brekingsindeks strukturele en omgewings eienskappe van die monster af te lei. Gedurende die projek was ’n tyd verwante terahertz spektroskopie sisteem gebou wat gebaseer was op lae temperatuur gegroeide GaAs foto-geleidende antennas. Die sisteem bevat vier antennas van verskillende groottes aan beide die sender en ontvanger kant. Die antennas was gekarakteriseer na die bou en belyning van die terahertz sisteem en meetings was gedoen op die agtergrond, suiker en silikon om die sisteem se vermoë te demonstreer. Dit was gevind dat die amplitude van die gemete terahertz elektriese veld groter geraak het soos die intensiteit van die pomp puls verhoog was en dat die die amplitude van die gemete terahertz electriese veld afhanklik was van die polarisasie van die pomp puls. Die amplitude van van die gemete terahertz elektriese veld het gegroei met die grootte van die antenna, maar hoe groter die antenna geraak het, hoe kleiner was die bandwydte van die gemete terahertz elektriese veld. Hierdie was die geval vir beide die sender en ontvanger antennas.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of California, Riverside, 2009.
Vita. Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 148-155). Issued in print and online. Available via ProQuest Digital Dissertations.

In this thesis, I present my research into the development and use of a magneto-spectrometer operating at terahertz frequencies. Molecular samples with unpaired electrons were studied using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and the properties of semiconducting samples were measured by cyclotron resonance. A terahertz time-domain spectrometer was constructed, fine-tuned and benchmarked. The use of a large area photoconductive antenna (PCA), with a bias voltage modulated at 1 MHz, allowed for a signal-to-noise ratio of 13800:1 to be achieved, which was equal or superior to comparable systems in use. The thermal behaviour of the PCA was studied and modelled to find that a 28% increase in emission occurred when the PCA was cooled to 100 K and a 22% increase in the maximum usable bias voltage was possible when the emitter substrate was cooled in a liquid nitrogen cryostat. The spectrometer was used to study a mixed type I/type II GaAs quantum well heterostructure as a test sample, in the process extending the existing research performed on this controllable terahertz filter. Together with a Gunn diode, bolometer and a Schottky diode, a pulsed magnet was developed into a 135 GHz, continuous-wave EPR spectrometer. EPR was detected in DPPH allowing for the spectrometer magnetic field accuracy to be determined and in ruby, which provided the crystal orientation of the sample and the base temperature of the spectrometer. Following this, three novel mixed-metal fluoride-centred triangles were studied on a multiple frequency EPR spectrometer allowing for the exchange interactions to be calculated along with the g-factors for two energy states. Two dimetallic cobalt complexes were studied to find that small changes to the molecules resulted in significant changes in the measured EPR spectra and so these molecules could be a useful part of the study of exchange coupled systems. The terahertz time-domain spectrometer was then combined with the pulsed magnet and an asynchronous optical sampling (ASOPS) system. Use of ASOPS allowed the number of waveforms measurable during a magnetic field pulse to be increased by at least a factor of 20 compared to contemporary alternatives. The spectrometer was used study cyclotron resonance in a two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) formed at a GaAs/AlGaAs interface. Cyclotron resonance was successfully measured in the 2DEG at frequencies up to 1.6 THz, finding an electron effective mass of 0.071 m e , a sheet electron density of 3.3 × 10 11 cm -2 and a mobility of 1.5 × 10 5 cm 2 V -1 s -1 . Furthermore, using this system, the detection of EPR in a ruby sample was achieved, providing the first demonstration of ASOPS being used to study EPR at terahertz frequencies.

Le domaine térahertz (THz) inclut une riche variété d’applications pratiques et fondamentales où la basse énergie des photons permettent l’investigation de nouveaux phénomènes d’interaction lumière-matière. Ces travaux se focalisent sur deux thématiques émergentes où la spectroscopie THz ultra-rapide représente un outil particulièrement adapté à l’étude de phénomènes fondamentaux ainsi qu’à la conception de nouvelles sources THz. La première thématique concerne la spintronique THz capable de générer des ondes THz équivalentes à celles obtenues au sein des cristaux non-linéaires. Cette technologie est basée sur des hétérostructures constituées de matériaux ferromagnétiques – métaux de transitions possédant des épaisseurs nanométriques permettant une émission THz par excitation ultrarapide de la structure, induisant un courant de spin et via l’effet Hall de spin, une conversion de courant de spin en courant de charge. Au-delà de ces structures métalliques, des matériaux « quantiques » faisant intervenir des phénomènes tel que l’effet inverse Edelstein au sein des isolants topologiques sont également étudiés. La seconde thématique abordée est celle des polaritons intersous-bandes dans le domaine THz. Les polaritons sont des quasi-particules résultant d’un couplage lumière-matière fort provenant d’un mode de cavité couplé à une transition intersous-bande. Leur nature bosonique représente une perspective pertinente à long terme pour développer de nouvelles sources THz lasers basées sur le principe de condensat de Bose-Einstein. Dans ces travaux, nous étudions le pompage optique monofréquence et résonant d’une branche polaritonique par une sonde large bande constituée d’impulsions THz. Cette investigation révèle de fortes indications d’effets non-linéaires et potentiellement des signatures de diffusions polaritoniques. Enfin, nous présentons également des optimisations technologiques de sources THz existantes utiles à l’études des deux thématiques abordées. Notamment de sources THz de type antennes photoconductrices haute puissance en cavités, qui ont permis la première démonstration d’imagerie THz en temps réel obtenue avec de tel dispositifs
The terahertz (THz) domain provides a rich playground for many practical and fundamental applications, where the low energy of THz photons permits to probe novel light-matter interactions. This work investigates two recent and emerging scientific areas where ultrafast THz spectroscopy can be used as a probe of fundamental phenomena, as well as potentially enabling the conception of new THz sources. In the first case, ultrafast THz spintronics are studied where ultrafast excitations of spintronic heterojunctions result in efficient pulse generation. These structures consist of nanometer thick ferromagnetic - heavy metal junctions, where an optically generated spin-charge in the former is converted to a charge-current in the latter via the Inverse Spin Hall Effect. Beyond these metal-based junctions, ultrafast THz spintronics based on “quantum” materials is also investigated, where THz pulses are generated using quantum phenomena such as the Inverse Edelstein Effect in Topological Insulators, shown to be a promising research direction. The second subject area is focused on THz intersubband polaritons, quasi-particles that emerge from the strong light-matter coupling of a THz photonic cavity and an intersubband transition. Here we are interested in the bosonic nature of the intersubband polaritons, as a long-term aim of realizing a novel THz laser based on Bose-Einstein condensation. In this work, we investigate resonant narrowband pumping of a polariton branch and probe using spectrally broad THz pulses. This shows strong indications of nonlinear effects and potential signatures of scattering processes that could eventually lead to the demonstration of THz polaritonic gain. Finally, to support our work in the above subject areas, technological developments were made in existing THz sources. This included high power THz photoconductive switches using cavities, which permitted the first demonstrations of real time THz imaging with such devices, and high power THz quantum cascade lasers as narrowband laser pumps

One-dimensional (1D) nanomaterials are of great importance for a number of potential applications. However, in order to realize this potential a thorough understanding of the charge-carrier dynamics in these materials is required, since these largely determine the optoelectronic properties of the materials in question. This thesis investigates the charge-carrier dynamics of two 1D nanomaterials, single-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and tungsten-oxide nanowires (WOxNWs), with the goal of better understanding the nature of their optoelectronic responses, and how nanomaterial geometry and morphology influence these responses. We do this using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) and optical pump - terahertz probe time-domain spectroscopy (OPTP). Firstly, we discuss how to properly analyse and interpret the data obtained from these experiments when measuring 1D nanomaterials. While the data obtained from THz-TDS is fairly straight-forward to analyse, OPTP experimental data can be far from trivial. Depending on the relative size of the sample geometry compared to the probe wavelength, various approximations can be used to simplify the extraction of their ultrafast response. We present a general method, based on the transfer matrix method, for evaluating the applicability of these approximations for a given multilayer structure, and show the limitations of the most commonly used approximations. We find that these approximations are only valid in extreme cases where the thickness of the sample is several orders of magnitude smaller or larger than the wavelength, which highlight the danger originating from improper use of these approximations. We then move on to investigate how the charge-carrier dynamics of our CNTs is influenced by nanotube length and density. This is done through studying the nature of the broad THz resonance observed in finite-length CNTs, and how the nanotube length and density affects this resonance. We do this by measuring the conductivity spectra of thin films comprising bundled CNTs of different average lengths in the frequency range 0.3-1000 THz and temperature interval 10-530 K. From this we show that the observed temperature-induced changes in the terahertz conductivity spectra depend strongly on the average CNT length, with a conductivity around 1 THz that increases/decreases as the temperature increases for short/long tubes. This behaviour originates from the temperature dependence of the electron scattering rate, which results in a subsequent broadening of the observed THz conductivity peak at higher temperatures and a shift to lower frequencies for increasing CNT length. Finally, we show that the change in conductivity with temperature depends not only on tube length, but also varies with tube density. We record the effective conductivities of composite films comprising mixtures of WS2 nanotubes and CNTs vs CNT density for frequencies in the range 0.3-1 THz, finding that the conductivity increases/decreases for low/high density films as the temperature increases. This effect arises due to the density dependence of the effective length of conducting pathways in the composite films, which again leads to a shift and temperature dependent broadening of the THz conductivity peak. Next, we investigate the conflicting reports regarding the ultrafast photoconductive response of films of CNTs, which apparently exhibit photoconductivities that can vastly differ, even in sign. Here we observe explicitly that the THz photoconductivity of CNT films is a highly variable quantity which correlates with the length of the CNTs, while the specific type of CNT has little influence. Moreover, by comparing the photo-induced change in THz conductivity with heat-induced changes, we show that both occur primarily due to heat-generated modification of the Drude electron relaxation rate, resulting in a broadening of the plasmonic resonance present in finite-length metallic and doped semiconducting CNTs. This clarifies the nature of the photo-response of CNT films and demonstrates the need to carefully consider the geometry of the CNTs, specifically the length, when considering them for application in optoelectronic devices. We then move on to consider our WOxNWs. We measure the terahertz conductivity and photoconductivity spectra of thin films compromising tungsten-oxide (WOx) nanowires of average diameters 4 nm and 100 nm, and oxygen deficiencies WO2.72 and WO3 using THz-TDS and OPTP. From this we present the first experimental evidence of a metal-to-insulator transition in WOx nanowires, which occurs when the oxygen content is increased from x=2.72 -> 3 and manifests itself as a massive drop in the THz conductivity due to a shift in the Fermi level from the conduction band down into the bandgap. Furthermore we present the first experimental measurements of the photoexcited charge-carrier dynamics of WOx nanowires on a picosecond timescale and map the influence of oxygen-content and nanowire diameter. From this we show that the decay-dynamics of the nanowires is characterized by a fast decay of < 1 ps, followed by slow decay of 3-10 ps, which we attribute to saturable carrier trapping at the surface of the nanowires.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the dielectric properties of fuel oils and their ethanol mixtures in the THz spectral region. We presented frequency dependent absorption coefficients, refractive indices, and dielectric constants calculated from the measurements of pure and mixtures of fuel oils. As the mixing ratio changes, meaningful shifts were observed in refractive index and absorption coefficient of the mixtures. For pure liquids, we used Debye model which provides a good estimate for the dielectric parameters of pure liquids in microwave region and also in the THz region. Bruggeman model, which is used for describing the interaction between liquids in binary mixtures, did not work for ethanol mixtures of gasoline within our assumptions. However, these mixtures were modeled successfully with a modified Debye model in which the mixture behavior was described with a basic contribution approach. The results suggest that there is no strong interaction between the ethanol and the molecules in the gasoline. We concluded that this new approach offers a simple and useful method to determine the concentration of ethanol in gasoline with 3% (by volume) maximum error.

La gamme des ondes terahertz (THz) se situe à l'interface des domaines électronique et optique. Malgré un potentiel d'applications élevé, elle souffre d'un manque de dispositifs performants. Dans ce cadre, cette thèse se concentre sur l'étude fondamentale et la réalisation de nouvelles fonctionnalités associées à différentes sources THz, en utilisant la spectroscopie THz dans le domaine temporel (TDS). Cet outil puissant permet de mesurer le profil temporel d'un champ électrique THz et est utilisé pour explorer l'émission THz de lasers à cascade quantique (LCQ) et de graphène.Dans une première partie, la réponse ultrarapide de LCQs est étudiée. Un contrôle de la phase du champ électrique de LCQs THz via la technique "d'injection seeding" est réalisé puis optimisé. Il nous permet de mesurer le profil temporel de l'émission laser. A l'appui de cette expérience et de simulations, une description quantitative de la dynamique du gain est faite. Ces informations sont critiques pour la production d'impulsions courtes. Une modulation rapide du gain de LCQ est ensuite réalisée et conduit à la génération d'impulsions courtes (durée ~ 15 ps) en régime de blocage de modes. Ces études permettent notamment d'envisager les LCQs comme sources puissantes pour la TDS. Dans une seconde partie, nous montrons que le graphène peut émettre un rayonnement THz sous excitation optique par un effet non linéaire d'ordre 2. Cette émission résulte d'un transfert de quantité de mouvement des photons aux électrons du graphène ("photon drag"). Elle permet ainsi d'explorer des propriétés subtiles du graphène, telles que de très faibles différences de comportement entre les électrons et trous photogénérés
The terahertz (THz) range is a region of the electromagnetic spectrum which lies at the limit between the electronic and optical domain. Currently, THz applications suffer from the lack of sources and detectors. In this context, this thesis focuses on the fundamental study and the development of new functionalities of different THz sources, usingTHz time-domain spectroscopy (TDS) as a base. This powerful tool enables to acquire the temporal profile of a THz electric field and is used to explore the THz emission properties of quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) and graphene.In the first part, the ultrafast response of QCLs is investigated. A phase control of the electric field of THz QCLs via injection seeding is realised and optimised. This enables the measurement of the amplitude and temporal profile of the laser emission. Throughthese experiments and simulations, a quantitative description of the gain dynamics can be accessed. This information is critical for modelocking. Finally, a fast modulation of the gain of QCLs is realized and leads to short pulses generation (15 ps) in a modelocked regime. These studies open the way for using QCLs as powerful sources in TDS.In the second part, THz radiation generation from graphene under optical excitation is demonstrated by a second order non-linear process. The THz emission results from themomentum transfer from the photons to the electrons of graphene (photon drag). As well as broadband THz generation, novel bandstructure properties of graphene can be explored such as the different dynamics between the photogenerated electrons and holes

Le but de ce travail est de quantifier le potentiel et les capacités de la technologie térahertz à contrôler des colis afin de détecter les menaces telles que les armes et les explosifs, sans avoir besoin d'ouvrir le colis.Dans cette étude, nous présentons la spectroscopie térahertz résolue en temps et l'imagerie multi-spectrale pour la détection des explosifs. Deux types d’explosifs, ainsi que leurs mélanges binaires sont analysés. En raison de la complexité de l'extraction des informations face à tels échantillons, trois outils de chimiométrie sont utilisés: l’analyse en composantes principales (ACP), l'analyse des moindres carrés partiels (PLS) et l'analyse des moindres carrés partiels discriminante (PLS-DA). Les méthodes sont appliquées sur des données spectrales térahertz et sur des images spectrales pour : (i) décrire un ensemble de données inconnues et identifier des similitudes entre les échantillons par l'ACP ; (ii) créer des classes, ensuite classer les échantillons inconnus par PLS-DA ; (iii) créer un modèle capable de prédire les concentrations d’un explosif, à l'état pur ou dans des mélanges, par PLS.Dans la deuxième partie de ce travail, nous présentons l'imagerie par les ondes millimétriques pour la détection d'armes dans les colis. Trois techniques d'imagerie différentes sont étudiées : l'imagerie passive, l’imagerie active par des ondes continues (CW) et l’imagerie active par modulation de fréquence (FMCW). Les performances, les avantages et les limitations de chacune de ces techniques, pour l’inspection de colis, sont présentés. En outre, la technique de reconstruction tomographique est appliquée à chacune de ces trois techniques, pour visualiser en 3D et inspecter les colis en volume. Dans cet ordre, un algorithme de tomographie spécial est développé en prenant en considération la propagation gaussienne de l'onde
The aim of this work is to demonstrate the potential and capabilities of terahertz technology for parcels screening and inspection to detect threats such as weapons and explosives, without the need to open the parcel.In this study, we first present terahertz time-domain spectroscopy and spectral imaging for explosives detection. Two types of explosives as well as their binary mixture is analyzed. Due to the complexity of extracting information when facing such mixtures of samples, three chemometric tools are used: principal component analysis (PCA), partial least square analysis (PLS) and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). The analyses are applied to terahertz spectral data and to spectral-images in order to: (i) describe a set of unknown data and identify similarities between samples by PCA; (ii) create a classification model and predict the belonging of unknown samples to each of the classes, by PLS-DA; (iii) create a model able to quantify and predict the explosive concentrations in a pure state or in mixtures, by PLS.The second part of this work focuses on millimeter wave imaging for weapon detection in parcels. Three different imaging techniques are studied: passive imaging, continuous wave (CW) active imaging and frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) active imaging. The performances, the advantages and the limitations of each of the three techniques, for parcel inspection, are exhibited. Moreover, computed tomography is applied to each of the three techniques to visualize data in 3D and inspect parcels in volume. Thus, a special tomography algorithm is developed by taking in consideration the Gaussian propagation of the wave

La gamme des ondes terahertz (THz) se situe à l'interface des domaines électronique et optique. Malgré un potentiel d'applications élevé, elle souffre d'un manque de dispositifs performants. Dans ce cadre, cette thèse se concentre sur l'étude fondamentale et la réalisation de nouvelles fonctionnalités associées à différentes sources THz, en utilisant la spectroscopie THz dans le domaine temporel (TDS). Cet outil puissant permet de mesurer le profil temporel d'un champ électrique THz et est utilisé pour explorer l'émission THz de lasers à cascade quantique (LCQ) et de graphène.Dans une première partie, la réponse ultrarapide de LCQs est étudiée. Un contrôle de la phase du champ électrique de LCQs THz via la technique "d'injection seeding" est réalisé puis optimisé. Il nous permet de mesurer le profil temporel de l'émission laser. A l'appui de cette expérience et de simulations, une description quantitative de la dynamique du gain est faite. Ces informations sont critiques pour la production d'impulsions courtes. Une modulation rapide du gain de LCQ est ensuite réalisée et conduit à la génération d'impulsions courtes (durée ~ 15 ps) en régime de blocage de modes. Ces études permettent notamment d'envisager les LCQs comme sources puissantes pour la TDS. Dans une seconde partie, nous montrons que le graphène peut émettre un rayonnement THz sous excitation optique par un effet non linéaire d'ordre 2. Cette émission résulte d'un transfert de quantité de mouvement des photons aux électrons du graphène ("photon drag"). Elle permet ainsi d'explorer des propriétés subtiles du graphène, telles que de très faibles différences de comportement entre les électrons et trous photogénérés
The terahertz (THz) range is a region of the electromagnetic spectrum which lies at the limit between the electronic and optical domain. Currently, THz applications suffer from the lack of sources and detectors. In this context, this thesis focuses on the fundamental study and the development of new functionalities of different THz sources, usingTHz time-domain spectroscopy (TDS) as a base. This powerful tool enables to acquire the temporal profile of a THz electric field and is used to explore the THz emission properties of quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) and graphene.In the first part, the ultrafast response of QCLs is investigated. A phase control of the electric field of THz QCLs via injection seeding is realised and optimised. This enables the measurement of the amplitude and temporal profile of the laser emission. Throughthese experiments and simulations, a quantitative description of the gain dynamics can be accessed. This information is critical for modelocking. Finally, a fast modulation of the gain of QCLs is realized and leads to short pulses generation (15 ps) in a modelocked regime. These studies open the way for using QCLs as powerful sources in TDS.In the second part, THz radiation generation from graphene under optical excitation is demonstrated by a second order non-linear process. The THz emission results from themomentum transfer from the photons to the electrons of graphene (photon drag). As well as broadband THz generation, novel bandstructure properties of graphene can be explored such as the different dynamics between the photogenerated electrons and holes

Disertacijos darbo tikslas buvo sukurti ir ištirti puslaidininkinius terahercinių (THz) impulsų emiterius ir detektorius, skirtus sistemoms, naudojančioms 1 μm bangos ilgio femtosekundinę lazerinę spinduliuotę. THz impulsų generavimo ir detektavimo sistema, kurios optoelektroninius puslaidininkinius komponentus aktyvuoja femtosekundiniai lazerio impulsai, yra plačiai taikoma terahercinėje laikinės srities spektroskopijoje. Tradiciškai tokiose sistemose naudojami Ti:safyre femtosekundiniai lazeriai, kurių spinduliuotės bangos ilgis yra ~800 nm. Šios sistemos nėra patogios dėl jų matmenų, nes lazeriai turi sudėtingą kelių pakopų kaupinimo sistemą. Pastaruoju metu THz impulsų generavimui vis dažniau naudojami femtosekundiniai kietakūniai ir šviesolaidiniai lazeriai, kurių spinduliuotės bangos ilgis patenka į artimosios IR spinduliuotės sritį. Tačiau šios sistemos vis dar neturi tinkamos medžiagos fotolaidiems elementams gaminti, kurie būtų žadinami 1 – 1,55 µm bangos ilgio lazeriais. Tokios medžiagos, visų pirmą, turi būti jautrios optinei spinduliuotei, o jų draustinės energijos tarpas turi atitikti žadinamos spinduliuotės fotonų energiją, be to sluoksniai turi pasižymėti didele tamsine varža bei labai trumpomis krūvininkų gyvavimo trukmėmis (~ 1 ps). Šioje disertacijoje yra pateikiami THz impulsų generavimo panaudojus puslaidininkių paviršius ir fotolaidžias antenas rezultatai, žadinant 1 µm bangos ilgio femtosekundiniais lazerio impulsais.
The aim of dissertation was to develop and explore the semiconductor material terahertz (THz) pulse emitters, for Terahertz time–domain spectroscopy (THz–TDS) systems using a 1 μm wavelength femtosecond laser radiation. THz pulse generation and detection using optoelectronic semiconductor components in THz–TDS excited by femtosecond laser pulses become these days a powerful experimental technique. Traditionally, mode-locked Ti:sapphire lasers emitting at the wavelengths ~800 nm are used. However Ti:sapphire lasers require many-stage optical pumping arrangement, the system is quite bulky and complicated. The solution could be the lasers emitting in 1 – 1.55 µm, which can be directly pumped by diode laser bars. Recently, several compact, efficient and cost-effective solid-state and fiber laser systems that generate femtosecond pulses at near-infrared wavelengths have been developed and employed for activating THz–TDS systems. The main obstacle of these systems is the lack of material with appropriate bandgap, high dark resistivity and short (~ ps) carrier lifetimes.