Step-scan time-domain terahertz magneto-spectroscopy

We present a novel approach for terahertz time-domain spectroscopy of magneto-optic phenomena. The setup used in this work combines a tabletop pulsed magnet and a standard terahertz time-domain spectroscopy system. The approach is based on repetitive operation of the pulsed magnet and step-wise increment of the delay time of the time-domain spectroscopy system. The method is demonstrated by plotting the magneto-transmission spectra of linearly polarized THz pulses through the hole gas of a Ge sample and the electron gas of GaAs, InSb and InAs samples. Cyclotron resonance spectra are displayed in the frequency range from 200 GHz to 2 THz and for a magnetic field up to 6 T. The GaAs spectra are analyzed in more detail using simulations based on the Drude model.

Validation of candidate causal genes for obesity that affect shared metabolic pathways and networks

A major task in dissecting the genetics of complex traits is to identify causal genes for disease phenotypes. We previously developed a method to infer causal relationships among genes through the integration of DNA variation, gene transcription, and phenotypic information. Here we validated our method through the characterization of transgenic and knockout mouse models of candidate genes that were predicted to be causal for abdominal obesity. Perturbation of eight out of the nine genes, with Gas7, Me1 and Gpx3 being novel, resulted in significant changes in obesity related traits. Liver expression signatures revealed alterations in common metabolic pathways and networks contributing to abdominal obesity and overlapped with a macrophage-enriched metabolic network module that is highly associated with metabolic traits in mice and humans. Integration of gene expression in the design and analysis of traditional F2 intercross studies allows high confidence prediction of causal genes and identification of involved pathways and networks.

Tuning characteristics of narrowband THz radiation generated via optical rectification in periodically poled lithium niobate

The tuning properties of pulsed narrowband THz radiation generated via optical rectification in periodically poled lithium niobate have been investigated. Using a disk-shaped periodically poled crystal tuning was easily accomplished by rotating the crystal around its axis and observing the generated THz radiation in forward direction. In this way no beam deflection during tuning was observed. The total tuning range extended from 180 GHz up to 830 GHz and was limited by the poling period of 127 microm which determines the maximum THz frequency in forward direction.

Generation of tunable narrow-band surface-emitted terahertz radiation in periodically poled lithium niobate

Generation of tunable narrow-band terahertz (THz) radiation perpendicular to the surface of periodically poled lithium niobate by optical rectification of femtosecond pulses is reported. The generated THz radiation can be tuned by use of different poling periods and different observation angles, limited only by the available bandwidth of the pump pulse. Typical bandwidths were 50-100 GHz, depending on the collection angle and the number of periods involved.