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Efficient high power tunable THz source based on all fiber-based pulsed fiber…

Award Information

Agency:
Department of Defense 		Branch:
Air Force 		Award ID:
90124 		Program Year/Program:
2009 / STTR
Agency Tracking Number:
F08A-009-0177 		Solicitation Year:
N/A 		Solicitation Topic Code:
N/A 		Solicitation Number:
N/A
Small Business Information
NP Photonics, Inc.
UA Science and Technology Park 9030 S. Rita Road, Suite #120 Tucson, AZ -
View profile »
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 1
Fiscal Year: 2009
Title: Efficient high power tunable THz source based on all fiber-based pulsed fiber lasers at 1.55 micron
Agency / Branch: DOD / USAF
Contract: FA9550-09-C-0060
Award Amount: $99,996.00
 

Abstract:

We propose to develop a fiber-based, high power, narrow linewidth, and tunable THz source by leveraging our proprietary fiber laser at ~ 1.55 micron and patented THz techniques. This proposed high power fiber-based THz source will be generated by using a ZnGeP2 crystal based on difference-frequency generation (DFG) pumped by high power pulsed fiber lasers in MOPA, which will reach a high power of 10-100 mW, a widely tuning range of 0.2-6 THz, and a narrow linewidth of <500 MHz. This proposal will use an external power cavity to enhance the conversion efficiency of parametric THz generation. This efficient pump recycling has the possibility to enhance the efficiency close the Manley-Rowe limit. BENEFIT: Currently, the THz spectral region has been underutilized because of the inadequacy of THz sources. The proposed THz source is expected to break this limit, which has the advantages of compact, high power, high spectral resolution, extremely wide tunability, and room temperature operation. So this proposed THz source will have large potential market in THz applications, such as real-time imaging, non-destructive evaluation, stand-off sensing and chemical detection and analysis. The proposed THz source can be used by military agencies for communications on the battlefield or in space, trace detection of hazardous materials and explosives in filed due to the fast response, room-temperature operation, low noise, and high spectral resolution, used in atmospheric environment sensing, airport and subway for screening hazardous materials and explosives from a wide-spectrum of the population, and used in research and development of biological materials, pharmaceuticals and other chemicals because THz spectrum can reveal the unique structure features of the molecules.

Principal Investigator:

Wei Shi
Principal Investigator/Optical Eng.
5207997413
wshi@npphotonics.com

Business Contact:

James T. Fountain
Director, Contract Administration
5207997424
fountain@npphotonics.com
Small Business Information at Submission:

NP Photonics, Inc.
UA Science and Technology Park 9030 S. Rita Road, Suite #120 Tucson, AZ 85747

EIN/Tax ID: 860999108
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees:
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
Research Institution Information:
University of Arizona
PO BOX 3308
888 N. Euclid Ave., Ste 510
Tucson, AZ 85722
Contact: Sherry L. Esham
Contact Phone: (520) 626-6000
RI Type: Nonprofit college or university