A terahertz laser operating at room temperature
American scientists from Harvard University have developed a semiconductor laser tergertsevogo range, capable emit so-called T-rays at room temperature.
Developers terahertz laser (picture from the site EurekAlert)
Terahertz lasers theoretically can find the widest application. The point is that, under the influence of terahertz waves at last beginning to fluctuate molecules, the frequency of oscillations is heavily dependent on the nature of the substance. Thus, it becomes possible to analyse the contents of sealed packages, packages, envelopes and so on. The method can also become an alternative to ultrasound and rentgenu, as it will receive high-quality images for a small period of time without the need for patient exposure to harmful waves.
But now the use of lasers tergertsevogo severely limited range because of the need for a powerful cooling systems. Development specialists at Harvard University can function under normal room temperature. The basis of the device on a quantum cascade laser (QCL) middle infrared range of light emitted simultaneously on two frequencies. For T-beams made the difference frequency generation (5 TGts).
Researchers note that developed the device can emit at room temperature T-rays capacity of several hundred nanovatt. Through the application available on the market thermoelectric coolers can be achieved in several microwatt power. And by optimizing the active area of semiconductor nanostructures power can theoretically be raised to the level of a few milliwatts.
Terahertz lasers that do not require powerful cooling systems, in the long run could find application in medicine, chemical industry (for the analysis of substances), the security sphere, etc. But the possible timing of commercialization of the proposed methods do not yet reported.
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