Heterodyne Detection of Intracavity Generated Terahertz Radiation

Heterodyne detection is used to characterize the terahertz (THz) emission of a novel room-temperature continuous wave source based on difference frequency generation within the cavity of a dual-color vertical external cavity surface emitting laser. Employing the high intracavity intensities allows for the generation of mW powers in a wide frequency range within the terahertz spectrum. Experimental results of heterodyne detection are presented for the emission frequencies of 820 GHz and 1.9 THz using Schottky and hot electron bolometer mixers. Simultaneous emission of multiple narrow-line THz frequency components is observed.