Terahertz optical gate

US7709798B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES · FR
• CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE · FR
• L'Universite de Bordeaux I · FR

Inventors

• Lionel Canioni · Gradignan, FR
• Rysvan Maleck-Rassoul · Pessac, FR
• Patrick Mounaix · Libourne, FR
• Laurent Sarger · Talence, FR

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 5, 2005
• Grant date: May 4, 2010
• Expiry date: Nov 19, 2025

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H01S3/0057
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

This invention relates to a wide band optical gate in the terahertz domain (wavelengths in the far infrared). It comprises a first optical source (2) emitting a first beam (FTHz) in said terahertz domain, a first plate made of a semiconducting material (1) illuminated by said terahertz beam and a second optical source (3) emitting a second beam (FIR) at a wavelength capable of saturating the first plate (1) made of a semi-conducting material and making it reflective at terahertz wavelengths. This invention also relates to a system for measuring terahertz signals and to a terahertz generator. It is particularly applicable to systems for measuring terahertz signals and to terahertz generators.