POWER AND SPATIAL MODE MEASUREMENTS OF SIDE-BAND GENERATED, SPATIALLYFILTERED, SUBMILLIMETER RADIATION

The first coherent measurement of submillimeter-wave sideband generato r (SBG) output power is reported here. This SBG utilizes a submillimet er laser, microwave synthesizer, and high frequency Schottky diode to produce tunable radiation. Record efficiency and output power (10.5 mu W) at a drive frequency of 1.6 THz has been obtained, and SBG radiati on was efficiently separated from the laser driver with Si etalons. Th e power measurements were made using a dual CO2-Submillimeter laser sy stem and two Schottky diodes, one as the sideband generator and one as the receiver. The SBG efficiency of four different models of Universi ty of Virginia (UVa) diodes were studied and the first measurement of the output mode of the sideband (without the unshifted laser present) was also performed. Finally, confirmation of the optimal parameters fo r coupling a Gaussian beam into a corner-reflector mounted Schottky di ode is presented.