Optically Pumped Terahertz Molecular Laser: Gain Factor and Validation up to 5.5 THz
Résumé
Quantum cascade laser-pumped terahertz (THz) gas lasers are at the edge ofrevolutionizing THz science where powerful yet tunable sources have long beenlacking. Maybe one of the last remaining drawbacks to a wider use of theseinstruments lies in the lack of available databases of potentially lasing transitionsfor users. A new figure of merit, the molecular gain factor is proposed, that allowsto discriminate transitions by their lasing potential. Using this factor, catalogs ofTHz laser lines of ammonia, both 14 NH 3 and 15 NH 3 , up to 10 THz are reported.Demonstration of the use of these two catalogs, and of the pertinence of themolecular gain factor, is made by experimentally observing 32 laser lines of14 NH 3 and 5 lines of 15 NH 3 up to 5.5 THz. Prospects to generalize the use of thismolecular gain factor to a wide range of molecules are discussed
Domaines
Optique [physics.optics]| Origine | Fichiers éditeurs autorisés sur une archive ouverte |
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