Terahertz local oscillator for the Microwave Limb Sounder on the Aura satellite.
The Microwave Limb Sounder on the Aura satellite has a radiometer at 2.5 THz to perform global mapping of OH in the atmosphere. The OH radiometer utilizes two Schottky-diode mixers pumped by an optically pumped THz gas laser local oscillator. The laser was first turned on in space on July 22, 2004, and has performed without issue for more than 30 months. The specifications, design, and modeling of this 2.5 THz laser local oscillator are presented here, along with some of the important design validation and test results.
Mueller
Eric R
ER
Coherent Inc., 1280 Blue Hills Avenue, Bloomfield, Connecticut 06002, USA.
Henschke
Robert
R
Robotham
William E
WE
Newman
Leon A
LA
Laughman
Lanny M
LM
Hart
Richard A
RA
Kennedy
John
J
Pickett
Herbert M
HM