Injection-seeded terahertz-wave parametric generator with wide tunability

We report on the development of a widely tunable (frequency: 0.7-2.4 THz and wavelength: 125-430 mum), injection-seeded THz-wave parametric generator (IS-TPG), which operates at room temperature. The spectral resolution (<100 MHz and 0.003 cm(-1)) is the Fourier transform limit of the nanosecond THz-wave pulse. The continuous scanning and narrow spectral bandwidth of the IS-TPG were verified in the absorption spectrum of low-pressure water vapor. The high peak power (>200 mW) of the output wave and the small beam divergence are suited to a variety of applications. (C) 2002 American Institute of Physics.