Direct surface cyclotron resonance terahertz emission from a quantum cascade structure

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a tunable terahertz emission device based on quantum cascade structures combined with magnetic fields, enabling emission over a broad frequency range through cyclotron resonance.

Contribution

It introduces a novel method of generating tunable terahertz radiation using quantum well structures and magnetic fields, combining quantum engineering with cyclotron emission.

Findings

Achieved terahertz emission from 1-2 THz and 3-5 THz ranges.

Demonstrated control of emission frequency via magnetic field strength.

Realized a surface-emitting device with tunable terahertz output.

Abstract

A strong magnetic field applied along the growth direction of a semiconductor quantum well gives rise to a spectrum of discrete energy states, the Landau levels. By combining quantum engineering of a quantum cascade structure with a static magnetic field, we can selectively inject electrons into the excited Landau level of a quantum well and realize a tunable surface emitting device based on cyclotron emission. By applying the appropriate magnetic field between 0 and 12 T, we demonstrate emission from a single device over a wide range of frequencies (1-2 THz and 3-5 THz).