Periodic Reporting for period 1 - PhoSTer THz (Photonic Spectrum Analyzer for the Terahertz Spectral Domain)
Okres sprawozdawczy: 2022-06-01 do 2023-11-30
1.) it is very challenging to develop electronic systems for higher THz frequencies. The highest commercial frequency extension to date goes to 1.5 THz.
2.) the higher the frequency, the exponentially more expensive are the frequency extenders.
3.) The extender modules are bound to specific waveguide bands. Spectra larger than 50% of the center frequency can only be obtained by employing several extender bands.
In PhoSTer THz, we will implement a photonic spectrum analyzer system as opposed to electronic ones, with the following advantages:
1.) Spectral coverage from microwaves to several Terahertz with a single system without the need of exchanging bands.
2.) Accessing frequencies yet not accessible with commercial electronic systems
3.) Inexpensive solution: a single photonic system costs less than the electronic base unit (i.e. without extenders)
We have improved and thoroughly characterized three photonic spectrum analyzer systems and demonstrated its applications in several use cases: an inexpensive photonic spectrum analyzer that is driven by two state-of-the-art distributed feed back lasers. Its frequency coverage is solely determined by the tuning range of the lasers. The responsivity, however, rolls off towards higher frequencies. If the device under test is powerful enough, this system can work at several THz. The system is directly compatible with commercial continuous-wave homodyne THz systems with little extra effort. The main advantage of this system is the low cost. Two versions of a high performance system using optical frequency combs: The systems achieve Hz-level resolution, beyond the goal of the project. The first high performance system uses an inexpensive electro-optic continuous-wave comb system for the photonic local oscillator. The second system uses a more expensive frequency comb that offers an unprecedented tuning range. We have investigated transitions via dielectric waveguides to ground-source-ground probes in order to enable on-chip measurements of electronic THz circuits.
The scientific and technical outcomes of the project are:
-Three prototypes of free space photonic spectrum analyzers developed
-Hz-level spectral resolution achieved
-frequency coverage mainly determined by the tuning range of the laser subsystem
-GSG transitions demonstrated enabling on-chip measurements
-Several case studies carried out to demonstrate the versatility of the photonic spectrum analyzer concept
-Dissemination through one journal publication, two peer-reviewed conference proceedings
-Several presentations at conferences and potential partners for commercialization
-Two further journal publications on the high performance systems are in progress, one of them is already submitted
Overview of the results:
-Three different systems demonstrated
-Market study carried out in order to identify commercialization pathways and needs
-IP secured: a second patent application on the technology was submitted
-Dissemination: Outreach activities at conferences and trade shows
-Exploitation: Collaboration with two industrial partners for future commercialization options
Remaining needs:
-Further research and development of the prototype systems towards a product
-Access to market ideally via an established company