HyperSpectral Terahertz neAR-field nanoscope exploiting miniaturized frequency-combs

Introduction

STAR aims to increase the technology readiness level of the state-of-the-art graphene-integrated, miniaturized frequency comb (FC) quantum cascade laser (QCL), operating at terahertz (THz) frequencies, devised under the ERC consolidator grant SPRINT. The project also seeks to develop a detector-less sensing/imaging demonstrator apt for the translation of this technology to industrial end-users.

Project Focus

The focus is on providing a compact, low-cost, hyperspectral, nanoscale imaging system, which creates amplitude- and phase-resolved images. This system employs the non-invasive broadband THz-frequency light of a metrological frequency-comb source, without making use of an external detector.

Technical Specifications

This nanoscope ensures:

• 40-100 nm spatial resolution, >100 times smaller than the THz free-space wavelength
• Coherent detection and mapping of the THz optical response of materials over the continuous 2-5 THz bandwidth
• Fully stabilized THz QCL FC, with noise-equivalent power <10pW/Hz
• Fast (<ms/pixel) acquisition rates, far exceeding the performances of commercial time-domain spectroscopy near-field systems

Specific Objectives

Specific objectives are to:

1. Manufacture a compact, portable, and user-friendly THz hyperspectral nanoscope
2. Validate its core technology with commercial end-users and at trade shows
3. Evaluate opportunities for THz FC self-detection nanoscopy
4. Identify novel end-user applications, with a detailed market, IPR, and regulatory compliance study

By the end of this program, I plan to identify a solid exploitation route by directly interacting with THz instrument producers and targeted commercial end-users.

Long-term Impact

Pushing forward a solid commercial exploitation route, STAR prospects new directions and long-term impacts on many interdisciplinary fields, including:

• Engineering
• Biology
• Medicine
• Cultural heritage
• Material science
• Quantum technology

This project operates in a frontier frequency domain where electronics and photonics find a fascinating convergence.