Terahertz systems - Import export

An accessory to the TeraFlash pro, the Imaging Extension utilizes two precise linear stages to scan a sample through the focus of the terahertz beam. The translational movement is synchronized with the shaker of the TeraFlash pro, resulting in a high measurement speed of up to 16 pixel/sec. A “basic” setup is available for researchers who wish to use their own optical components, and a “complete” version includes parabolic mirrors for beam shaping and focusing.

The TeraFlash pro, a table-top time-domain terahertz platform, sets new standards in terms of dynamic range, bandwidth and measurement speed. Owing to an advanced laser design and progress in photoconductive antennas, the system now achieves a peak dynamic range of 95 dB, and a bandwidth of 6 THz, all within less than 20 s. The highly precise mechanical delay stage enables the acquisition of 60 traces/s @ 50 ps, or 95 traces/s @ 20 ps.

Having teamed up with some of the leading terahertz research institutes, TOPTICA is able to provide top-quality GaAs and InGaAs photomixers. Both material systems offer an excellent bandwidth and dynamic range. The modules come equipped with a Silicon lens and SM/PM fiber pigtail. The all-fiber design eliminates the need for time-consuming laser beam alignment, and enables an easy and flexible integration into any terahertz assembly.

cw terahertz spectroscopy based on photomixing offers the attractive feature of detecting both amplitude and phase of the terahertz wave. Determining the phase requires a modulation of the optical path length, or the terahertz frequency. The Phase Modulation Package offers a particularly fast and accurate technique to scan the terahertz phase, by using a symmetric setup with two fiber stretchers wound around piezo actuators. Users can thus retrieve full information on phase and amplitude of the terahertz wave - with single-Megahertz resolution!

Pulsed terahertz generation with leading-edge technology: InGaAs antennas provide about 30 µW power and a bandwidth of 6 THz. The emitter and detector modules, developed by Fraunhofer Heinrich-Hertz Institute (Berlin/Germany), feature a strip-line and a dipole antenna, respectively, and are packaged with a Silicon lens and SM/PM fiber. They make up the core component of TOPTICA’s TeraFlash pro and TeraFlash smart, but are available as individual modules too.

TOPTICA’s TeraScan platforms are well-established “TopSeller” configurations for frequency-domain terahertz spectroscopy. The systems combine mature DFB diode lasers with state-of-the-art GaAs or InGaAs photomixers. The TeraScan 780 offers an outstanding bandwidth, and the TeraScan 1550 sets new benchmarks in terms of terahertz power and dynamic range. Both systems feature TOPTICA's proprietary “DLC smart” control electronics.

TOPTICA is been able to push the frequency limits of frequency-domain spectrometers. Whilst one DFB laser at 1.5 µm offers a tuning range of approximately 600 GHz, a combination of three lasers covers the entire range from DC to 2.0 THz, or – using more elaborate combinations – even up to 2.7 THz. TOPTICA’s “Tuning Range Extension” thus provides access to frequencies that used to be beyond reach with commercial frequency-domain spectrometers.

The TeraSpeed serves applications in quality control and process monitoring that require no spectral information, but call for terahertz intensity measurements at “extreme” speeds: the system is capable of detecting individual terahertz pulses at repetition rates as high as 100 MHz. An integrated data-processing unit converts the detected pulses to RMS values, enabling data streams at sampling rates up to 500 kHz – orders of magnitude faster than conventional terahertz systems. Bringing together several cutting-edge technologies, the TeraSpeed takes advantage of mature fiber laser technology, powerful photoconductive emitters and fast yet sensitive Schottky receivers.

TOPTICA’s TeraFlash smart utilizes a proprietary scheme dubbed ECOPS ("electronically controlled optical sampling"). The system comprises two synchronized femtosecond lasers, eliminating the need for a mechanical delay. This results in extremely high measurement speeds: the TeraFlash smart acquires 1600 complete terahertz waveforms per second, enabling terahertz-based thickness gauging at unprecedented speed. The system thus lends itself to measurements on rapidly moving samples, e.g. conveyor belts, papermaking machines, or extrusion lines. Learn more about TOPTICA's advanced terahertz solutions.