Frequency-tunable continuous-wave terahertz sources based on GaAs plasmonic photomixers
Abstract
We present frequency-tunable, continuous-wave terahertz sources based on GaAs plasmonic photomixers, which offer high terahertz radiation power levels at 50% radiation duty cycle. The use of plasmonic contact electrodes enhances photomixer quantum efficiency while maintaining its ultrafast operation by concentrating a large number of photocarriers in close proximity to the device contact electrodes. Additionally, the relatively high thermal conductivity and high resistivity of GaAs allow operation under high optical pump power levels and long duty cycles without reaching the thermal breakdown limit of the photomixer. We experimentally demonstrate continuous-wave terahertz radiation with a radiation frequency tuning range of more than 2 THz and a record-high radiation power of 17 μW at 1 THz through plasmonic photomixers fabricated on a low temperature grown GaAs substrate at 50% radiation duty cycle.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Sep 28, 2015
- Source ID
- 10.1063/1.4932114
Entities
People
- Mona Jarrahi
- Shang-hua Yang
Organizations
- Army Research Office
- National Science Foundation
- Office of Naval Research
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of Michigan