Terahertz radiation source mounting arrangements and methods of mounting a terahertz source

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for detecting variations in electromagnetic fields, in particular, terahertz (THz) electromagnetic fields, are provided. The methods and apparatus employ polarization detection devices and controllers to maintain or vary the polarization of modulated signals as desired. The methods and apparatus are provided to characterize electromagnetic fields by directing the electromagnetic field and a probe beam upon an electro-crystal and detecting the modulation of the resulting probe beam. Detection of the modulation of the probe beam is practiced by detecting and comparing the polarization components of the modulated probe beam. Aspects of the invention may be used to analyze or detect explosives, explosive related compounds, and pharmaceuticals, among other substances. A compact apparatus, modular optical devices for use with the apparatus, sample holders, and radiation source mounts are also disclosed.

1 - 111 . (canceled) 
     
     
         112 . An electromagnetic radiation source and source mounting arrangement comprising:
 a base plate having an edge adapted to be received by a base plate mounting slot;   a radiation source mounted to the base plate and comprising at least one radiation emitter; and   multiple electrical contacts mounted on the base plate, the multiple electrical contacts adapted to electrically connect the at least one radiation emitter to a radiation source driver signal provided by connectors in the base plate mounting slot.   
     
     
         113 . The electromagnetic radiation source and mounting arrangement as recited in  claim 112 , wherein the multiple electrical contacts comprise multiple parallel contacts extending from the radiation source to the edge of the base plate adapted to be received by the base plate mounting slot. 
     
     
         114 . The electromagnetic radiation source and mounting arrangement as recited in  claim 112 , wherein the at least one radiation emitter comprises multiple radiation emitters. 
     
     
         115 . The electromagnetic radiation source and mounting arrangement as recited in  claim 114 , wherein the multiple radiation emitters each comprise a single emitter gap width. 
     
     
         116 . The electromagnetic radiation source and mounting arrangement as recited in  claim 114 , wherein the multiple radiation emitters comprise a variety of emitter gap widths. 
     
     
         117 . The electromagnetic radiation source and mounting arrangement as recited in  claim 112 , wherein the at least one radiation emitter comprises a THz radiation emitter. 
     
     
         118 . The electromagnetic radiation source and mounting arrangement as recited in  claim 117 , wherein the THz radiation emitter comprises a THz emitter chip.