Project description
Laser-driven spintronic THz emitter for THz reflectivity measurements
Electromagnetic radiation in the terahertz (THz) range is a crucial tool for spectroscopy and material characterisation, offering a contact-free, non-ionising and non-destructive means of analysing materials to determine their reflectivity and refractive index. It finds use in both condensed matter research and practical applications. However, current approaches to THz reflectivity measurements fall short of meeting the desired criteria of being ultra-broadband, user-friendly, precise and low-noise. The ERC-funded T-SPINDEX project aims to address this gap by developing a prototype THz time-domain reflectivity spectrometer capable of swiftly determining materials’ THz refractive index. The project will leverage an innovative laser-driven coherent THz source, specifically a spintronic THz emitter, to achieve the desired THz reflectivity measurements.
Objective
Electromagnetic radiation in the terahertz (THz) frequency range (0.3-30 THz) is a powerful tool for material spectroscopy and characterization in a contact-free, non-ionizing and non-destructive way. An essential application is the contact-free measurement of the complex-valued reflectivity and, ideally, refractive index of materials. Such knowledge is essential in condensed-matter research (for characterization of, e.g. the conduction-electron concentration and scattering in semiconductors, of optical phonons in insulators and magnons in antiferromagnets) and in applied settings. Ideally, THz reflectivity measurements should be (1) ultrabroadband (covering two decades from 0.3 to 30 THz), (2) user-friendly and offer (3) high precision and low noise. However, requirements (1)-(3) are not fulfilled by current approaches. The goal of T-SPINDEX is to build a prototype THz time-domain reflectivity spectrometer to determine the THz refractive index of materials rapidly. Features (1)-(3) are achieved altogether by using an innovative laser-driven coherent THz source, a spintronic THz emitter.
Fields of science
Keywords
Programme(s)
- HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC) Main Programme
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-ERC-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept GrantsHost institution
14195 Berlin
Germany