Published

2015-01-01

Simulation of photoconductive antennas for terahertz radiation

Simulación de antenas fotoconductoras para radiación terahertz

Keywords:

Multi-physics simulation, Photoconductive antennas, Semiconductor physics, Electromagnetics (en)
Antena fotoconductora, simulación multi-física, electromagnetismo, física de semiconductores (es)

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Authors

  • C. A. Criollo Universidad de los Andes
  • A. Avila Universidad de los Andes

Simulation of terahertz (THz) emission based on PC antennas imposes a challenge to couple the semiconductor carrier phenomena, optical transport and the THz energy transport. In this paper a Multi-physics simulation for coupling these phenomena using COMSOL Multi-physics 4.3b is introduced. The main parameters of THz photoconductive (PC) antenna as THz emitter have been reviewed and discussed. The results indicate the role of each parameter in the resulting photocurrent waveform and THz frequency: The radiated THz photocurrent waveform is determined by the photoconductive gap (the separation between the metallic electrodes), the incident laser illumination and the DC excitation voltage; while the THz frequency depends on the dipole length. The optimization of these parameters could enhance the emission. The simulations extend the advance of compact and cost-effective THz emitters.

La emisión de Terahertz (THz) empleando antenas fotoconductoras representa un reto de simulación en la integración de los fenó-menos de transporte en semiconductores, de óptica y de transporte de energía por radiación THz. En el presente artículo se propone una simulación Multi-Física para integrar estos fenómenos utilizando COMSOL Multiphysics 4.3b. Los principales parámetros de las antenas fotoconductoras empleadas como emisores de THz son estudiados. Los resultados de la simulación demuestran cómo estos parámetros inciden en la fotocorriente generada y en la frecuencia de radiación THz: la abertura fotoconductora (la separación de los electrodos metálicos de la antena), la potencia promedio del láser incidente y el voltaje de polarización, determinan la forma de onda de la fotocorriente generada; mientras que la longitud del dipolo determina la frecuencia de radiación. La emisión de las antenas fotoconductoras puede mejorarse optimizando estos parámetros. Esta simulación es útil para el diseño e implementación de antenas fotoconductoras como emisores de THz de diseño compacto y bajo costo.

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