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Design, Fabrication, and Experimental Characterization of Plasmonic Photoconductive Terahertz Emitters
Published on: July 8, 2013
Numerical study on heterodyne terahertz detection in field effect transistor
Zhifeng Yan1, Jingxuan Zhu, Yinglei Wang
1The Key Laboratory of Integrated Microsystems, School of Computer & Information Engineering, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, P R China.
Optics Express
|July 1, 2010
Summary
This study explores using field-effect transistors (FETs) as terahertz (THz) detectors. A modified numerical method accurately models THz signal transport in FETs across all operating regions, showing their potential for THz detection.
Area of Science:
- Semiconductor Physics
- Terahertz Technology
- Device Modeling
Background:
- Terahertz (THz) detection is crucial for various applications.
- Field-effect transistors (FETs) show promise as THz detectors.
- Accurate modeling is needed to optimize FET-based THz detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a numerical method for simulating heterodyne terahertz detection in FETs.
- To assess the performance of FETs as THz detectors across different operating regimes.
- To investigate device structure optimization for enhanced THz detection capabilities.
Main Methods:
- Hydrodynamic equations governing THz signal transport in FETs were employed.
- A pre-existing numerical tool was modified to incorporate heterodyne detection characteristics.
- The modified tool was validated across sub-threshold to strong inversion and linear to saturation regions.
Main Results:
- The modified numerical tool accurately simulates THz signal transport in FETs.
- The model demonstrates effective operation across all FET operational regions.
- Simulation results highlight the potential of MOS transistors for THz detection.
Conclusions:
- FETs are viable components for terahertz detection.
- The developed numerical method provides a robust tool for device simulation and optimization.
- Further investigation into device structure optimization can enhance THz detector performance.

