Direct observation of terahertz frequency comb generation in difference-frequency quantum cascade lasers

Terahertz quantum cascade laser sources based on intra-cavity difference frequency generation from mid-IR devices are an important asset for applications in rotational molecular spectroscopy and sensing, being the only electrically pumped device able to operate in the 0.6-6 THz range without the need of bulky and expensive liquid helium cooling. Here we present comb operation obtained by intra-cavity mixing of a distributed feedback laser at ? = 6.5 ?m and a Fabry-Pérot device at around ? = 6.9 ?m. The resulting ultra-broadband THz emission extends from 1.8 to 3.3 THz, with a total output power of 8 ?W at 78 K. The THz emission has been characterized by multi-heterodyne detection with a primary frequency standard referenced THz comb, obtained by optical rectification of near infrared pulses. The down-converted beatnotes, simultaneously acquired, confirm an equally spaced THz emission down to 1 MHz accuracy. In the future, this setup can be used for Fourier transform based evaluation of the phase relation among the emitted THz modes, paving the way to room-temperature, compact, and field-deployable metrological grade THz frequency combs.