Abstract
A method for increasing the stability of terahertz (THz) time-domain
spectrometers utilizing electro-optic balanced detection is presented in this
paper. The stability of these systems is sensitive to optical alignment and
polarization quality; small changes in temperature, pressure, stress, and
strain can all affect SNR. High stability is achieved by precise rotation
of the quarter-wave plate (QWP) balance position during the operation of the
THz spectrometer. Providing feedback via QWP rotation optimizes the noise
floor with minimal modulation to the THz signal in a nonideal optical system.
Applying active balance control eliminates constant tuning by the operator
between scans, after purging with dry nitrogen, applying vacuum, and during
system setup.
© 2009 IEEE
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