High power THz local oscillators and detectors as components of THz imagers, capable of multi-pixel integration, are essential for future and funded space missions. Current science tasks of operational space flown instruments such as MIRO, SOFIA establish the need for the compact power efficient THz components. The project addresses NASA research objective "Understand the processes that determine the history and future of habitability in the solar system". The compact and high efficiency setup generating 1mW in THz range will expand the capabilities of heterodyne spectroscopy, aeronomy (studies of upper atmospheres, e.g. missions similar to MAVEN), planetary atmospheres remote sensing and atmospheric physics including trace gas species detection (for example H2O, CH4, O3, SO2). Historically, lack of efficient sources at frequencies above 1 THz slowed many science applications. Many important molecules present in the planetary atmoshere. The project provides a compact, room temperature THz source of milliwatt-range THz radiation. The lack of such sources has been a technological bottleneck for a number of applications outside NASA including applications in remote gas detection, bio-imaging and security imaging, imaging of objects in obscured or dusty environments, inspection of packaged goods, imaging for internal defects in optically opaque materials, spectroscopy for scientific applications, and communications.
More »Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) | Lead Organization | FFRDC/UARC | Pasadena, California |
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus (GA Tech) | Supporting Organization | Academia | Atlanta, Georgia |
University of California-Santa Barbara (UCSB) | Supporting Organization | Academia | Santa Barbara, California |
This is a historic project that was completed before the creation of TechPort on October 1, 2012. Available data has been included. This record may contain less data than currently active projects.