EXTENSION OF FREQUENCY STANDARDS TO SUBMILLIMETER AND OPTICAL WAVELENGTHS

During the second year of the contract both partly resonant and totally resonant multiple quantum investigations were completed. Multiple resonant semiconfocal and parallel plate interferometers were developed. Experiments were performed at KA-band using methylene chloride gas where a low level harmonic signal was obtained in the semiconfocal interferometer. This previous work was reported in the semiannual report dated February 1967. Theoretical and experimental investigations were made during the last reporting period to determine parameters for the generation and detection of millimeter and submillimeter signals. Submillimeter signals (over 600 GHz) were generated, transmitted, and detected. Free space transmission using horns was also accomplished over 600 GHz. Mixing experiments were performed to demonstrate the feasibility of mixing the cyanide laser signal with a millimeter frequency standard. A theoretical and experimental program was performed on laser development. In particular a cyanide laser was built and the frequency of the two lines at 890 GHz and 964 GHz verified. This laser has an output of 200W. The operating parameters were optimized and mixing experiments have begun. A theoretical program was made to determine laser operation and phase locking techniques. (Author)