WaterSpy: A High Sensitivity, Portable Photonic Device for Pervasive Water Quality Analysis

In this paper, we present WaterSpy, a project developing an innovative, compact, cost-effective photonic device for pervasive water quality sensing, operating in the mid-IR spectral range. The approach combines the use of advanced Quantum Cascade Lasers (QCLs) employing the Vernier effect, used as light source, with novel, fibre-coupled, fast and sensitive Higher Operation Temperature (HOT) photodetectors, used as sensors. These will be complemented by optimised laser driving and detector electronics, laser modulation and signal conditioning technologies. The paper presents the WaterSpy concept, the requirements elicited, the preliminary architecture design of the device, the use cases in which it will be validated, while highlighting the innovative technologies that contribute to the advancement of the current state of the art.

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QCL-based frequency metrology from the mid-infrared to the THz range: a review

Nanophotonics ◽

10.1515/nanoph-2018-0076 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. 181-204 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Luigi Consolino ◽

Francesco Cappelli ◽

Mario Siciliani de Cumis ◽

Paolo De Natale

Keyword(s):

Quantum Cascade Lasers ◽

High Sensitivity ◽

Low Loss ◽

Mid Infrared ◽

Fiber Networks ◽

Quantum Cascade ◽

Frequency Standards ◽

Optical Fiber Networks ◽

Thz Range ◽

Cascade Lasers

AbstractQuantum cascade lasers (QCLs) are becoming a key tool for plenty of applications, from the mid-infrared (mid-IR) to the THz range. Progress in related areas, such as the development of ultra-low-loss crystalline microresonators, optical frequency standards, and optical fiber networks for time and frequency dissemination, is paving the way for unprecedented applications in many fields. For most demanding applications, a thorough control of QCLs emission must be achieved. In the last few years, QCLs’ unique spectral features have been unveiled, while multifrequency QCLs have been demonstrated. Ultra-narrow frequency linewidths are necessary for metrological applications, ranging from cold molecules interaction and ultra-high sensitivity spectroscopy to infrared/THz metrology. A review of the present status of research in this field is presented, with a view of perspectives and future applications.

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Optimization of THz quantum cascade lasers with an active module based on two-quantum wells for high-temperature operation

Journal of Physics Conference Series ◽

10.1088/1742-6596/2086/1/012086 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2086 (1) ◽

pp. 012086

Author(s):

R A Khabibullin ◽

D S Ponomarev ◽

D V Ushakov ◽

A A Afonenko

Keyword(s):

High Temperature ◽

Quantum Wells ◽

Quantum Cascade Lasers ◽

Material System ◽

Quantum Cascade ◽

Operation Temperature ◽

Alternative Material ◽

Record Value ◽

High Temperature Operation ◽

Cascade Lasers

Abstract Over the past two decades, the operation temperature of terahertz quantum cascade lasers (THz QCLs) has continuously increased from cryogenic level to the current record value of 250 K (about -23°C) [1]. Here we review the state-of-the-art and future prospects of high-temperature THz QCL designs with two-quantum wells in active module based on conventional heterojunction GaAs/AlGaAs and alternative material system HgCdTe. We have analyzed the temperature dependence of the peak gain and predicted the maximum operation temperatures of the given designs.

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Spatial beam quality analysis of mid-wave infrared quantum cascade lasers

Technologies for Optical Countermeasures XVII; and High-Power Lasers: Technology and Systems, Platforms, Effects IV ◽

10.1117/12.2573442 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Biyi Wang ◽

Sensen Li ◽

Guanjun Zhou ◽

Jingsheng Zhang ◽

Zhaohong Liu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quantum Cascade Lasers ◽

Beam Quality ◽

Quality Analysis ◽

Quantum Cascade ◽

Spatial Beam ◽

Cascade Lasers

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Current State and Prospects for Development of Quantum-Cascade Lasers of the Terahertz Frequency Range in Russia

Nano- i Mikrosistemnaya Tehnika ◽

10.17587/nmst.21.742-748 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 21 (12) ◽

pp. 742-748

Author(s):

R.A. Khabibullin ◽

Keyword(s):

Quantum Cascade Lasers ◽

Terahertz Frequency ◽

Frequency Range ◽

Terahertz Frequency Range ◽

Quantum Cascade ◽

Current State ◽

Cascade Lasers

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PbTe/PbS Multilayer Mirror for EuTe/PbTe Surface Emitting Quantum Cascade Lasers

IEEJ Transactions on Fundamentals and Materials ◽

10.1541/ieejfms.129.799 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 129 (11) ◽

pp. 799-801

Author(s):

Daoshe Cao ◽

Taiki Yamano ◽

Yoku Inoue ◽

Akihiro Ishida

Keyword(s):

Quantum Cascade Lasers ◽

Quantum Cascade ◽

Multilayer Mirror ◽

Cascade Lasers

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Beam Pattern Investigation of Terahertz Quantum Cascade Lasers

PIERS Online ◽

10.2529/piers070905092309 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 4 (2) ◽

pp. 267-270 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Saeed Fathololoumi ◽

Dayan Ban ◽

Hui Luo ◽

Peter Grant ◽

Sylvain R. Laframboise ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quantum Cascade Lasers ◽

Beam Pattern ◽

Quantum Cascade ◽

Cascade Lasers

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Electromagnetic-matter interactions and devices

10.1093/oso/9780198759874.003.0006 ◽

2017 ◽

Author(s):

Sandip Tiwari

Keyword(s):

Optical Tweezers ◽

Quantum Cascade Lasers ◽

Accelerator Physics ◽

X Ray ◽

Quantum Cascade ◽

Inorganic Systems ◽

Charge Cloud ◽

Atomic Distance ◽

Extinction Length ◽

Cascade Lasers

This chapter explores electromagnetic-matter interactions from photon to extinction length scales, i.e., nanometer of X-ray and above. Starting with Casimir-Polder effect to understand interactions of metals and dielectrics at near-atomic distance scale, it stretches to larger wavelengths to explore optomechanics and its ability for energy exchange and signal transduction between PHz and GHz. This range is explored with near-quantum sensitivity limits. The chapter also develops the understanding phononic bandgaps, and for photons, it explores the use of energetic coupling for useful devices such as optical tweezers, confocal microscopes and atomic clocks. It also explores miniature accelerators as a frontier area in accelerator physics. Plasmonics—the electromagnetic interaction with electron charge cloud—is explored for propagating and confined conditions together with the approaches’ possible uses. Optoelectronic energy conversion is analyzed in organic and inorganic systems, with their underlying interaction physics through solar cells and its thermodynamic limit, and quantum cascade lasers.

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