Terahertz frequency quantum cascade lasers for use as waveguide-integrated local oscillators

Since their first demonstration in 2002, the performance of terahertz frequency quantum cascade lasers has developed extremely rapidly. We consider the potential use of terahertz frequency quantum cascade lasers as local oscillators in satellite-borne instrumentation for future Earth observation and planetary science missions. A specific focus will be on the development of compact, waveguide-integrated, heterodyne detection systems for the supra-terahertz range

Waveguide-integrated Terahertz Quantum Cascade Lasers for use as Local Oscillators

Terahertz-frequency quantum cascade lasers (THz QCLs) are compact sources of 1–5 THz radiation, which show great promise for use as local oscillators in satellite-borne heterodyne radiometers. We present a waveguide-integration scheme, in which a THz QCL is mounted in a copper heat-sink block, with radiation outcoupled into a precision micromachined rectangular waveguide. Electrical bias is provided by an integrated SMA connector and mounting points are provided for attachment to a cryocooler and a temperature sensor. The integration scheme is mechanically robust and is shown to have negligible impact on the thermal performance or threshold current of the device. The emitted beam quality is significantly improved, compared with that of a conventional device, with single-lobed profile with divergence <20 degrees

Waveguide-integrated terahertz-frequency quantum cascade lasers for detection of trace-gas species

We demonstrate high-performance THz QCLs lasing at 2.2, 2.53, 3.5 and 4.7 THz, which target absorption lines of water, methane, hydroxyl and atomic oxygen respectively. Reliable single-mode targeting of gas species is obtained through the use of a photonic lattice design. A highly reproducible micro-machined waveguide block yields narrow beam-divergence and enables future integration of a complete THz heterodyne system including local-oscillator, mixer, and feed-horn

Waveguide-integrated terahertz-frequency quantum-cascade lasers for trace-gas detection applications

We demonstrate photonic-lattice THz QCLs lasing at 2.2, 2.56, 3.5 and 4.7 THz, targeting water, methane, hydroxyl and atomic oxygen absorption lines, respectively. A robust micro-machined waveguide block improves beam quality and enables future integration of complete THz heterodyne systems including a local oscillator, mixer, and feed-horn

Feasibility and acceptance of electronic quality of life assessment in general practice: an implementation study

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Licens

GBR 12909 administration as a mouse model of bipolar disorder mania: mimicking quantitative assessment of manic behavior

Mania is a core feature of bipolar disorder (BD) that traditionally is assessed using rating scales. Studies using a new human behavioral pattern monitor (BPM) recently demonstrated that manic BD patients exhibit a specific profile of behavior that differs from schizophrenia and is characterized by increased motor activity, increased specific exploration, and perseverative locomotor patterns as assessed by spatial d. It was hypothesized that disrupting dopaminergic homeostasis by inhibiting dopamine transporter (DAT) function would produce a BD mania-like phenotype in mice as assessed by the mouse BPM. We compared the spontaneous locomotor and exploratory behavior of C57BL/6J mice treated with the catecholamine transporter inhibitor amphetamine or the selective DAT inhibitor GBR 12909 in the mouse BPM. We also assessed the duration of the effect of GBR 12909 by testing mice in the BPM for 3 h and its potential strain dependency by testing 129/SvJ mice. Amphetamine produced hyperactivity and increased perseverative patterns of locomotion as reflected in reduced spatial d values but reduced exploratory activity in contrast to the increased exploration observed in BD patients. GBR 12909 increased activity and reduced spatial d in combination with increased exploratory behavior, irrespective of inbred strain. These effects persisted for at least 3 h. Thus, selectively inhibiting the DAT produced a long-lasting cross-strain behavioral profile in mice that was consistent with that observed in manic BD patients. These findings support the use of selective DAT inhibition in animal models of the impaired dopaminergic homeostasis putatively involved in the pathophysiology of BD mania

Time domains of the hypoxic ventilatory response in ectothermic vertebrates

Over a decade has passed since Powell et al. (Respir Physiol 112:123–134, 1998) described and defined the time domains of the hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR) in adult mammals. These time domains, however, have yet to receive much attention in other vertebrate groups. The initial, acute HVR of fish, amphibians and reptiles serves to minimize the imbalance between oxygen supply and demand. If the hypoxia is sustained, a suite of secondary adjustments occur giving rise to a more long-term balance (acclimatization) that allows the behaviors of normal life. These secondary responses can change over time as a function of the nature of the stimulus (the pattern and intensity of the hypoxic exposure). To add to the complexity of this process, hypoxia can also lead to metabolic suppression (the hypoxic metabolic response) and the magnitude of this is also time dependent. Unlike the original review of Powell et al. (Respir Physiol 112:123–134, 1998) that only considered the HVR in adult animals, we also consider relevant developmental time points where information is available. Finally, in amphibians and reptiles with incompletely divided hearts the magnitude of the ventilatory response will be modulated by hypoxia-induced changes in intra-cardiac shunting that also improve the match between O2 supply and demand, and these too change in a time-dependent fashion. While the current literature on this topic is reviewed here, it is noted that this area has received little attention. We attempt to redefine time domains in a more ‘holistic’ fashion that better accommodates research on ectotherms. If we are to distinguish between the genetic, developmental and environmental influences underlying the various ventilatory responses to hypoxia, however, we must design future experiments with time domains in mind