SBIR-STTR Award

This is a Phase I STTR proposal to test the feasibility of a concept for a tunable solid state laser, based on semiconductor nanostructures. Laser radiation center-frequencies are anticipated from approximately 1 to 6 THz. Output powers in the milliwatt range may be obtainable. The final Phase I result will be a practical prototype design based upon key experiments and simulations.

Benefits:
Such a laser should find optical applications as a light source for far-infrare spectroscopy and imaging. Electrical applications include high bandwidth satellite-to-satellite communications and secure communication links

Compact, coherent terahertz-frequency radiation sources would open up an otherwise technologically dark part of the electromagnetic spectrum. The Phase II work objective is to develop solid state, semiconductor-based laser prototypes. The Phase I work demonstrated the feasibility of developing both optically and electrically pumped lasers based on semiconductor active devices embedded in metallic waveguides. Phase II will advance this laser technology by producing prototype lasers that optimize the semiconductor gain medium and the microfabricated waveguide cavities