Telecom-wavelength compatible THz n-i-pn-i-p superlattice photomixers for spectroscopical applications

We report on the progress of room-temperature operating, continuous-wave, tunable n-i-pn-i-p superlattice THz photomixers, compatible with 1.55 ¿m telecom laser systems. An output power of 0.2 ¿W at 1 THz has been achieved at a photocurrent of 9.4 mA, using a broadband antenna. The spectral power is at a level where high resolution spectroscopy becomes attractive. This is demonstrated by measuring the absorption spectrum of water vapor between 0.4 and 1.6 THz.