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Far-infrared laser or terahertz laser is a laser with output wavelength in between 30-1000 µm , in the far infrared or terahertz frequency band of the electromagnetic spectrum.
FIR lasers have application in terahertz spectroscopy, terahertz imaging as well in fusion plasma physics diagnostics. They can be used to detect explosives and chemical warfare agents, by the means of infrared spectroscopy or to evaluate the plasma densities by the means of interferometry techniques.
FIR lasers typically consist of a long waveguide filled with gaseous organic molecules, optically pumped or via HV discharge. They are highly inefficient, often require helium cooling, high magnetic fields, and/or are only line tunable. Efforts to develop smaller solid-state alternatives are under way.
The p-Ge laser is a tunable, solid state, far infrared laser which has existed for over 25 years. It operates in crossed electric and magnetic fields at liquid helium temperatures. Wavelength selection can be achieved by changing the applied electric/magnetic fields or through the introduction of intracavity elements.