Single mode THz crystal fiber as efficient THz parametric converter

In Phase I, NP Photonics has successfully demonstrated the feasibility to fabricate a single mode THz crystal fiber as THz parametric converter that can generate high power, narrow linewidth, and tunable THz source by leveraging our proprietary fiber processing techniques. In Phase II, we will further optimize the design and fabrication process of the proposed THz crystal fiber converter under collaboration with University of Dayton, and demonstrate the highest conversion efficiency for THz parametric generation by using the proposed THz fiber parametric converter, owing to its features of THz fiber confinement, quasi-phase-matching, high NLO coefficient (100 pm/V). We will achieve the compact high power fiber-based THz source with average power of 1-10 W, widely tuning range of 0.1-7 THz, and narrow linewidth of 1-100 MHz. Furthermore, for the high resolution THz spectrometer based on NP’s narrow linewidth THz source, we will demonstrate the detective sensitivity below sub-part per million and noise equivalent power (NEP) below 1.0x10-14 W/Hz½. Finally, NP Photonics will offer product or prototype services of THz crystal fiber converter, high power THz source and stand-off high-resolution THz spectrometer for Air Force NDE applications in Phase II. BENEFIT: Currently, the THz spectral region has been underutilized because of the inadequacy of THz sources. The proposed THz crystal fiber converter and high power tunable fiber-based THz source are expected to break this limit, which has the advantages of compact, high efficiency/power, high spectral resolution, extremely wide tunability, and room temperature operation. So this proposed THz crystal fiber converter, high power tunable fiber-based THz source and the THz spectroscopy will have large potential market in THz applications, such as nondestructive evaluation (NDE), remote characterizing damage in aerospace materials, as well as standoff trace detection of hazardous materials and explosives in field due to the fast response, room-temperature operation, low noise, and high sensitivity.