title: Characterization of continuous-wave terahertz sources: laser mixing versus backward-wave oscillators.
abstract: The tunable, continuous-wave terahertz (THz) radiation generated by mixing of two near-infrared laser lines in an antenna-coupled photomixer is compared with the monochromatic beam of backward-wave oscillators. The electromagnetic radiation of the different THz sources is characterized with respect to intensity, linewidth, degree of linear polarization, angular characteristic, beam quality, and M(2) value. The results are discussed with respect to applications in THz spectroscopy and imaging.
authors.affiliation: Physikalisches Institut, Universität Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 57, D-70550 Stuttgart, Germany.
authors.forename: Stephan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Martens
authors.forename: Bruno
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Gompf
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dressel
mesh_terms: D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D007834:Lasers; D055096:Optical Devices; D009991:Oscillometry / Q000295:instrumentation*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D055053:Terahertz Radiation; D055068:Terahertz Spectroscopy / Q000295:instrumentation*