THz photoconductive antennas

Mingguang Tuo, Jitao Zhang, Hao Xin

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

In this chapter, the theoretical modeling, numerical simulation and experimental study of PCA are thoroughly discussed. The principles of three representative models, namely, Drude-Lorentz model, equivalent circuit model and full-wave model, were introduced. After summarizing the pros and cons of each model, the full-wave model was chosen for numerical simulation of PCA, as it has least physical assumptions and thus should be the most accurate. The numerical simulation was carried out using in-house codes on the MATLAB® platform, which was also verified using commercial software. The radiation properties of a PCA were then thoroughly studied by varying several important parameters, such as laser power, bias voltage, photoconductor material properties and laser pulse width. To demonstrate the application of this model, two new PCAs were designed and simulated, and enhanced THz radiations were predicted for both. The influences of the photoconductive material, antenna structures, etc. on the THz radiation power and bandwidth are systematically investigated to gain a more comprehensive understanding of a PCA. The general radiation mechanism of the PCAs is further studied by implementing the polarization effect and cancellation effect measurements. Recent progresses of the PCA structure development using nanostructure and plasmonic antenna electrodes to improve the THz radiation power/efficiency are briefly reviewed. In addition, the THz near-field spectroscopic technique based on PCAs is proposed to overcome the resolution limit and achieve sub-wavelength resolution. Specifically, incorporating the Hadamard multiplexing method with an emitter array for the THz near-field configuration, the system SNR is enhanced, agreeing well with theoretical prediction. With more array elements, the system SNR can be further improved. Various THz applications are explored utilizing the far-field and near-field THz-TDS setup, including material characterization, imaging and sensing. With the advancement of THz far-field and near-field systems incorporating PCAs in recent years, more innovative and practical THz applications will be enabled.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationDevelopments in Antenna Analysis and Design
Subtitle of host publicationVolume 2
PublisherInstitution of Engineering and Technology
Pages73-125
Number of pages53
ISBN (Electronic)9781785618901
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2018

Keywords

  • Antenna structures
  • Bandwidth
  • Bias voltage
  • Drude-lorentz model
  • Equivalent circuit model
  • Experimental study
  • Far-field
  • Full-wave model
  • Hadamard multiplexing method
  • Laser power
  • Laser pulse width
  • Material characterization
  • Metamaterial antennas
  • Millimetre wave antennas
  • Nanophotonic devices and technology
  • Nanophotonics
  • Nanostructure antenna electrodes
  • Near-field
  • Numerical simulation
  • Photoconducting devices
  • Photoconductive material
  • Photoconductor material properties
  • Plasmonic antenna electrodes
  • Radiation mechanism
  • Radiation properties
  • Single antennas
  • Submillimetre wave antennas
  • THz near-field spectroscopic technique
  • THz photoconductive antennas
  • Terahertz wave devices

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Engineering(all)

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