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)

Included in

Physics Commons

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