TeraScan ultra

• 20 GHz–5 THz THz emission range
• Frequency resolution down to 1 Hz
• Frequency accuracy up to 1 Hz
• Tuning speed up to 100 GHz/s
• Ultra-low phase noise with optical frequency comb locking
• Continuous, seamless frequency tuning
• Fully software-controlled operation

The TeraScan ultra serves applications that require ultimate stability in both the frequency and phase of THz signals. The TeraScan ultra thus becomes a unique solution for photonic vector network analysis up to 5 THz, as well as THz communication research, channel sounding, wafer inspection, and high-resolution spectroscopy. Wherever the highest spectral resolution, phase stability, and tuning accuracy in the terahertz range are essential, the TeraScan ultra sets the benchmark.

And this is how it works. Two diode lasers are phase-locked to an optical frequency comb, and a photomixer emitter converts their beat signal into a tunable, monochromatic terahertz wave. With TOPTICA’s patented “endless frequency shifter” concept, the tunable laser remains precisely controlled throughout the entire scan range, ensuring seamless tuning without loss of lock. In this way, the extraordinary phase-noise stability of the frequency comb is faithfully transferred into the THz domain.

Combining a bandwidth of 5 THz with single-Hz frequency resolution, the TeraScan ultra delivers a level of spectral purity and measurement precision unmatched by other THz systems. Its advanced photomixer technology and fully software-controlled scan modes make it ideal for experiments that rely on consistently coherent, ultra-stable terahertz radiation.

Patents:

• US 8,743,919 and EP 2577820, Coherent phase shifting
• DE 10 2018 109 718, tunable monochromatic detector

System Type: Comb-Locked CW-THz Platform
THz Emission Range: 20 GHz–5 THz
Frequency Resolution: Up to 1 Hz
Frequency Accuracy: Up to 1 Hz*
Tuning Speed: Up to 100 GHz/s
THz Output Power: Typ. 100 µW @ 100 GHz
THz Output Power: Typ. 10 µW @ 500 GHz
Phase Noise: <40 mrad (100 Hz–2 MHz)
Operation Modes: Fixed Frequency / Frequency Scan / Triggered Step Scan
Laser Wavelength: 1500–1600 nm
Frequency Comb: 1560 nm, 200 MHz spacing

*Depending on the clock reference.

• 6G & THz Communication Research
• Photonic Vector Network Analysis
• High-Resolution THz Spectroscopy
• THz Channel Sounding
• Wafer Inspection
• High-Q Resonator Characterization
• Optoelectronic Spectrum Analysis