THz distributed detectors and arrays

摘要

Terahertz (THz) distributed detectors, and arrays of detectors that utilize structured surface plasmonic effects for more efficient coupling to free space are discussed. One example distributed detector includes a detector junction comprising a Schottky or tunneling interface between a semiconductor and a detector metal, an ohmic junction comprising an ohmic interface between the semiconductor and an ohmic metal, and a gap that separates the detector junction from the ohmic junction. Structured surface plasmons concentrate an electric field in the gap when the distributed detector is exposed to THz radiation polarized perpendicular to the gap.

主权项

1. A distributed surface detector, comprising:
a detector contact comprising a Schottky or tunnel-junction interface between a semiconductor and a detector metal at a first vertical sidewall of a gap; and an ohmic contact comprising an ohmic interface between the semiconductor and an ohmic metal at a second vertical sidewall of the gap, the first vertical sidewall and the second vertical sidewall are located on opposite sides of the gap, the gap defines an area exposed to the semiconductor and separates the detector contact from the ohmic contact, and wherein structured surface plasmons concentrate an electric field in the gap when the distributed surface detector is exposed to THz radiation that is polarized perpendicular to the gap.