A solid-state light source (SSLS) with light modulation control is described. A SSLS device can include a main p-n junction region configured for recombination of electron-hole pairs for light emission. A supplementary p-n junction region is proximate the main p-n junction region to supplement the recombination of electron-hole pairs, wherein the supplementary p-n junction region has a smaller electron-hole life time than the electron-hole life time of the main p-n junction region. The main p-n junction region and the supplementary p-n junction region operate cooperatively in a light emission state and a light turn-off-state. In one embodiment, the recombination of electron-hole pairs occurs in the main p-n junction region during a light emission state, and the recombination of electron-hole pairs occurs in the supplementary p-n junction region light during the light turn off-state.

A pulsed emitter of electromagnetic radiation having a frequency range of 0.1 to 10 THz is described. The pulsed emitter includes an electromagnetic radiation gain medium and a pulse inducing element. The electromagnetic radiation gain medium is for generating electromagnetic radiation having the frequency range of 0.1 to 10 THz. The pulse inducing element is configured to induce an electromagnetic radiation pulse in the gain medium.

A synthesizer including a controller configured to receive a first signal. A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) is coupled to the controller and is configured to generate a voltage bias based on the first signal. The voltage bias corresponds to a target resonant frequency. A semiconductor laser is coupled to the DAC and is configured to receive a second signal tone. The semiconductor laser generates a plurality of tone signals having octave multiples of a base sub-harmonic tone of the second signal tone.