Keywords
Fabry-Perot, terahertz, gigahertz, sub-mm, mm, Bragg mirror, far-IR, etching, dielectric mirror
Abstract
A scanning Fabry-Perot transmission filter composed of a pair of dielectric mirrors has been demonstrated at millimeter and sub-millimeter wavelengths. The mirrors are formed by alternating quarter-wave optical thicknesses of silicon and air in the usual Bragg configuration. Detailed theoretical considerations are presented for determining the optimum design including factors that affect achievable finesse. Fundamental loss by lattice and free carrier absorption are considered. High resistivity in the silicon layers was found important for achieving high transmittance and finesse, especially at the longer wavelengths. Also considered are technological factors such as surface roughness, bowing, and misalignment for various proposed manufacturing schemes. Characterization was performed at sub-mm wavelengths using a gas laser together with a Golay cell detector and at millimeter wavelengths using a backward wave oscillator and microwave power meter. A finesse value of 422 for a scanning Fabry-Perot cavity composed of three-period Bragg mirrors was experimentally demonstrated. Finesse values of several thousand are considered to be within reach. This suggests the possibility of a compact terahertz Fabry-Perot spectrometer that can operate in low resonance order to realize high free spectral range while simultaneously achieving a high spectral resolution. Such a device is directly suitable for airborne/satellite and man-portable sensing instrumentation.
Notes
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Graduation Date
2007
Semester
Spring
Advisor
Peale, Robert
Degree
Master of Science (M.S.)
College
College of Sciences
Department
Physics
Degree Program
Physics
Format
application/pdf
Identifier
CFE0001563
URL
http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/etd/CFE0001563
Language
English
Release Date
May 2007
Length of Campus-only Access
None
Access Status
Masters Thesis (Open Access)
STARS Citation
Cleary, Justin, "Scanning Fabry-perot Spectrometer For Terahertz And Gigahertz Spectroscopy Using Dielectric Bragg Mirrors" (2007). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3120.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd/3120