Hamamatsu Photonics successfully produced terahertz waves at a wavelength of 450 μm which is the world’s longest wavelength available from a single semiconductor laser

2019/11/14

Terahertz nonlinear QCL designed to emit terahertz waves at a wavelength of 450 μm

Hamamatsu Photonics has succeeded in producing terahertz waves at a wavelength of 450 micrometers (μm: micro or μ is one millionth) in the terahertz range which is the world’s longest wavelength available from a single semiconductor laser operating at room temperature. To achieve this breakthrough, we have developed long-wavelength mid-infrared quantum cascade laser, in which we designed the laser structure based on research and analysis results of the terahertz wave generation principle. Results from this research will be useful in applications such as quality testing and non-destructive inspection of drugs and foods containing components that absorb electromagnetic waves in the sub-terahertz range as well as submillimeter astronomy and high-speed and high-capacity communication over short distances.

Results of this research were published on November 2 (Thu) in the electronic version of the European Scientific Journal “Nanophotonics.” This research and development work was supported by the MIC/SCOPE #195006001.