Abstract

We propose an integrated terahertz emitter operating at room temperature between 2.4 and $6\mathrm{THz}$. Based on difference-frequency generation in a triply resonant $\mathrm{Au}∕\mathrm{Al}\mathrm{As}∕\mathrm{Ga}\mathrm{As}∕\mathrm{Al}\mathrm{As}∕\mathrm{Au}$ microcylinder, this nonlinear source is pumped by two near-IR whispering-gallery modes that are excited by InAs quantum dots embedded in the resonator. In the vertical direction, these pump modes are due to total internal reflection at $\mathrm{Ga}\mathrm{As}∕\mathrm{Al}\mathrm{As}$ interfaces, while the terahertz mode is confined between the metallic layers. This parametric source offers potential advantages with respect to existing terahertz sources for spectroscopic applications, such as room-temperature operation and electrical pumping.

© 2008 Optical Society of America

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