Finesse of silicon-based terahertz Fabry-Perot spectrometer

摘要

This paper considers factors that affect achievable finesse for a recently demonstrated silicon-based scanning Fabry-Perot transmission filter at millimeter and sub-millimeter wavelengths. The mirrors are formed by alternating quarterwave optical thicknesses of silicon and air in the usual Bragg configuration. Fundamental loss by lattice and free carrier absorption are considered. Technological factors such as surface roughness, bowing, and misalignment are considered for various proposed manufacturing schemes.