Continuous-wave terahertz system with a 60 dB dynamic range

We have developed a high-performance continuous-wave terahertz imaging system based on photomixing. The emitter and detector are driven by compact, unstabilized, single-mode diode lasers. The all-optoelectronic, homodyne detection scheme yields both amplitude and phase information, and with careful optimization and matching of both emitter and receiver, a 60 dB dynamic range, at 0.53 THz, can be routinely achieved. This replicates the performance of established pulsed THz imagers at this frequency. (c) 2005 American Institute of Physics.