Photonic generation of continuous THz wave using uni-traveling-carrier photodiode

• Published in: Journal of lightwave technology Vol. 23; no. 12; pp. 4016 - 4021
• Main Authors: Ito, H., Furuta, T., Nakajima, F., Yoshino, K., Ishibashi, T.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY IEEE 01.12.2005; Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers; The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
• Subjects: Antennas; Applied sciences; Bandwidth; Broadband antennas; Circuit properties; Depletion; Electric, optical and optoelectronic circuits; Electron-velocity overshoot; Electronics; Exact sciences and technology; Frequency; Indium phosphide; Indium tin oxide; Integrated optics. Optical fibers and wave guides; Modules; Optical and optoelectronic circuits; Optical devices; Optoelectronic devices; Photodiodes; Photonics; planar antenna; Ports; Power generation; quasi-optical output module; Semiconductor electronics. Microelectronics. Optoelectronics. Solid state devices; semiconductor heterojunction; Signal generators; Submillimeter wave propagation; Submillimeter waves; submillimeter-wave generation; uni-traveling-carrier photodiode (UTC-PD); Wideband; Integrated optics; Output power; semiconductor heterojunction; Depletion layer; Performance characteristic; Microwave; quasi-optical output module; Millimetric wave; Continuous wave; Wide band; Optoelectronic device; Wave generation; Plane antenna; Monolithic integrated circuit; Quasi optical circuit; Submillimetric wave; uni-traveling-carrier photodiode (UTC-PD); planar antenna; Unitraveling carrier photodiode; Electron-velocity overshoot; Log periodic antennas; THz range; Semiconductor heterojunctions; Linearity; submillimeter-wave generation
• ISSN: 0733-8724; 1558-2213
• DOI: 10.1109/JLT.2005.858221

A uni-traveling-carrier photodiode (UTC-PD) is monolithically integrated with a wideband log-periodic toothed antenna for generating millimeter and submillimeter waves at frequencies of up to terahertz range. A module with a quasi-optical output port fabricated for practical use operates up to 1.5 THz and generates an output power of 2.3 /spl mu/W at 1.04 THz with good linearity. The output power level and the operation frequency are records for wideband PD modules operating at 1.55 /spl mu/m. An investigation of the operational characteristics of the UTC-PD reveals that the effective use of the electron-velocity overshoot in the junction depletion layer is important for maximizing the output power in the terahertz range.