In this article, we report our work on the development of a non- invasive, rapid, robust, and high-fidelity technique that can be used to discriminate between genetic variants. Our study focused on terahertz (THz) spectroscopy and imaging to distinguish between genetic variants of the Allium genus rapidly and accurately. This was done by measuring the cellular water dynamics of the samples by measuring their evaporation profiles using Laser Feedback Interferometry (LFI) with THz Quantum Cascade Lasers (QCL). The evaporation profiles of the samples were then processed to create trajectories in the amplitude-phase domain, which correlated with cell age, cell type, and the amount of water bound to biomolecules. This technique can differentiate between the members of the Allium genus. The presence of outliers was also studied to determine the effectiveness of the technique for different samples and to negate external influence. This was done to discern the extent of influence of cell biomechanics and biochemistry between genetic variants. We found that within a genus, different species would have different degree of interaction between cellular water and cell biochemistry, which could be clearly mapped out using THz-QCL-based LFI. Based on our observations, we propose that this method could be appropriate for observing minute alterations in cellular water dynamics in real-time, and in the future, has the potential to be employed for rapid and effective genetic discrimination in agricultural and genome conservation applications.
This present collaborative research, undertaken in two different hemispheres, in an effort to address the challenge of early structural and sub-surface assessment of heritage marble architectures, like the Taj Mahal, using two complementary non-contact, non-invasive imaging techniques in the THz spectral range. In our previous work, it was already demonstrated that the complementary techniques of broadband Terahertz Time Domain Imaging (THz-TDI) and microRaman spectroscopy are successful in probing volume and surface damage in marble with Pietra-dura work. In the present work, the unique combination of THz-TDI and highly sensitive THz-Laser Feedback Interferometry (THz-LFI) have been explored to study sub-surface damage and irregularities of marble structures with Pietra-dura motif. These optical techniques hold immense possibility in large-scale architectural restoration projects as they collectively provide accurate structural depth profile up to several inches into the volume of the marble including the strain generated within the structure leading to potential cracks.
The fast modulation of lasers is a fundamental requirement for applications in optical communications, high-resolution spectroscopy and metrology. Here, we report a new mechanism to modulate the emission from a terahertz frequency quantum cascade laser (QCL) device , whereby optically-generated acoustic phonon pulses are used to perturb the QCL bandstructure, enabling fast amplitude modulation that can be controlled using the QCL drive current or strain pulse amplitude. We show that this modulation can be explained using a perturbation theory analysis.
We present a self-mixing terahertz-frequency gas spectroscopy technique using a multimode quantum cascade laser. A precision-micro-machined external waveguide module and a double-metal quantum cascade laser device are used to increase the optical feedback and the laser’s frequency tuning range. Methanol spectra are obtained using two laser modes at 3.362 THz and 3.428 THz simultaneously, with more than 8 absorption peaks resolved over a 17-GHz bandwidth, which provide minimum detectable absorption coefficients of 2.7×10-4 cm−1 and 4.9×10−4 cm−1, respectively. In contrast to all previous self-mixing spectroscopy, our multimode technique expands the sensing bandwidth significantly. This broadband spectroscopy technique can potentially be used for the identification and analysis of chemical, biological radiological and nuclear (CBRN) agents and explosives.
Absolute frequency and phase control of a coherent terahertz (THz) source is desirable for high-resolution spectroscopy of atoms and molecules, coherent communications and advanced imaging techniques. Here we report on the phase control of a 2.0 THz quantum cascade laser (QCL). The QCL is optical injection locked (OIL) to an infrared frequency comb, which is generated by the successive modulation of a ‘C-band’ laser in a recirculating fibre loop. A stable microwave source defines the spacing between the comb lines resulting in the QCL being locked to an integer harmonic of the microwave frequency; the reference frequency. Within the locking range the frequency of the injection locked QCL is locked to the reference frequency, whereas the phase of the QCL undergoes a ‘π’ phase shift across the locking range. In this work, we control the phase of the QCL by introducing a phase lock loop to the OIL system to provide feedback to the QCL current forming an optical injection phase locked loop. This has several advantages over the bare OIL system: (1) the underlying frequency of the QCL is stabilised so that the QCL remains within the locking range for long periods of time. (2) The QCL frequency and phase track the microwave frequency so that the QCL may be tuned with extremely high precision. (3) By changing the locking point for the PLL the phase of QCL relative to the reference frequency could be controlled within a range 0.4π, limited by the PLL, with a constant amplitude.
We report a method of taking mid-infrared and terahertz spectra on nanoscale using compact mW-level sources, such as quantum cascade lasers, and a standard atomic force microscope (AFM). Light absorption is detected via deflection of an AFM cantilever due to local sample thermal expansion. The spatial resolution is principally determined by the diameter of the high-intensity spot in the vicinity of a sharp metalized AFM tip, and is below 50nm. To enable detection of minute sample expansion, the repetition rate of the laser pulses is moved in resonance with the cantilever mechanical frequency. The technique requires no optical detectors.
We report diffuse reflection imaging of concealed powdered samples in atmospheric air using a quantum cascade laser
operating at 2.83 THz. The imaging system uses a helium-cooled silicon bolometer for mapping radiation diffusely
reflected and scattered from samples, and a room-temperature pyroelectric sensor for simultaneously acquiring a
specular image. A range of powders concealed within plastic packaging and standard FedEx envelopes was imaged
with a resolution of better than 0.5 mm, and it was possible to detect powdered samples concealed within packaging
from which there was a strong component of surface reflection. The feasibility of performing dual-wavelength diffuse
reflection imaging for identification of illicit drugs and explosives is discussed.
Access to the requested content is limited to institutions that have purchased or subscribe to SPIE eBooks.
You are receiving this notice because your organization may not have SPIE eBooks access.*
*Shibboleth/Open Athens users─please
sign in
to access your institution's subscriptions.
To obtain this item, you may purchase the complete book in print or electronic format on
SPIE.org.
INSTITUTIONAL Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.
PERSONAL Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.