CONTEXT

Until recently, terahertz region of the electromagnetic spectrum has been difficult to reach because of the lack of efficient sources and detectors”. The main issue was waves were absorbed by ambient moisture in the air, killing the signal. Studies for years led to development of photoconductive and electro-optic methods to generate and detect radiation in the THz frequency range. The interest in this the range has been increasing and today much effort is focused on the development of efficient sources, sensitive detectors and suitable modulator in this “THz gap”.

TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION

The invention is about a terahertz detection cell, a detector for terahertz radiation and a method to detect terahertz.
The detector is composed of one or more cells and can be used to detect frequencies between 3 and 30 terahertz. Each cell is composed of a semiconductor crystal, coupling means and terminals connected in an electrical contact.

DEVELOPMENT STAGE

• Demonstration of thermal emission control through an electrical modulation of the emissivity [Appl. Phys. Lett. 102 081125 (2013)]
• Enhanced THz radiation – matter interaction: Epsilon-Near-Zero mode [Phys. Rev. L-ett. 109 237401 (2012)]

BENEFITS

This device has the advantages of being able to function at ambient temperature, to have good sensitivity and low noise equivalent power.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS

This innovation could be used for civil or military detection (THz transparency measures) to research, safety and astrophysics.

For further information, please contact us (Ref 04139-02)