High-resolution THz gain measurements in optically pumped ammonia
Résumé
Abstract:
This study is aimed at the evaluation of THz gain properties in an optically pumped
NH3 gas. NH3 molecules undergo rotational-vibrational excitation by mid-infrared (MIR) optical
pumping provided by a MIR quantum cascade laser (QCL) which enables precise tuning to the
NH3 infrared transition around 10.3 µm. Pure inversion transitions, (J = 3, K = 3) at 1.073 THz
and (J = 4, K = 4) at 1.083 THz were selected. The THz measurements were performed using a
THz frequency multiplier chain. The results show line profiles with and without optical pumping
at different NH3 pressures, and with different MIR tuning. The highest gain at room temperature
under the best conditions obtained during single pass on the (3,3) line was 10.1 dB×m-1 at
26 µbar with a pumping power of 40 mW. The (4,4) line showed lower gain of 6.4 dB×m-1 at
34 µbar with a pumping power of 62 mW. To our knowledge these THz gains are the highest
measured in a continuous-wave MIR pumped gas.