4.7 THz local oscillator multiplexer for GUSTO

Abstract

GUSTO (Galactic/ Extragalactic ULDB Spectroscopic Terahertz Observatory) equipped with three 8-pixel detection channels at 1.4, 1.9, and 4.7 THz will perform the largest single-flight mapping of the important lines of nitrogen [NII], carbon [CII], oxygen [OI] respectively, within the Milky Way and Large Magellanic Cloud.. Whilst the cutting edge technologies are applied in the mixer and local oscillator (LO) components, their proper coupling is crucial. Here we present the design, manufacturing and measurement results of a phase grating for multiplexing a single beam from a quantum cascade laser to 8 beams as the LO at 4.7 THz. We experimentally confirmed that the grating meets all the requirements. This is the first time that such a complete characterization of a THz phase grating is being reported. This accomplishment paves the way for future larger array receivers to apply this component for such a critical function.

Authors 10

1. B. Mirzaei Aachen Netherlands Institute for Space Research

   Space Research Organisation Netherlands

   Affiliation as printed

   SRON, Netherlands Institute for Space Research (Netherlands))

2. Matvey I. Finkel Aachen Netherlands Institute for Space Research

   Space Research Organisation Netherlands

   Affiliation as printed

   SRON, Netherlands Institute for Space Research (Netherlands))

3. J.R. Silva Aachen Netherlands Institute for Space Research

   Space Research Organisation Netherlands

   Affiliation as printed

   SRON, Netherlands Institute for Space Research (Netherlands))

4. W. M. Laauwen Aachen Netherlands Institute for Space Research

   Space Research Organisation Netherlands

   Affiliation as printed

   SRON, Netherlands Institute for Space Research (Netherlands))

5. Christopher Groppi

   Arizona State University

   Affiliation as printed

   Arizona State University, United States

6. Ali Khalatpour

   Massachusetts Institute of Technology

   Affiliation as printed

   Massachusetts Institute Of Technology (United States)

7. Qing Hu

   Massachusetts Institute of Technology

   Affiliation as printed

   Massachusetts Institute Of Technology (United States)

8. Abram G. Young

   University of Arizona

   Affiliation as printed

   The University of Arizona, (United States)

9. Christopher K. Walker

   University of Arizona

   Affiliation as printed

   The University of Arizona, (United States)

10. J. R. Gao Aachen Netherlands Institute for Space Research

    Space Research Organisation Netherlands

    Affiliation as printed

    SRON, Netherlands Institute for Space Research (Netherlands))