Numerical analysis of the emission properties of terahertz photoconductive antenna by finite-difference-time-domain method

TL;DR

This paper uses finite-difference-time-domain simulations to analyze how various parameters affect the emission properties of terahertz photoconductive antennas, providing insights for improved design and performance.

Contribution

It offers a comprehensive numerical analysis of THz PCA emission dependence on multiple parameters using a full-wave FDTD model, aiding understanding and design.

Findings

Identifies key parameters influencing THz emission

Provides relationships between antenna design and radiation efficiency

Suggests pathways for optimizing PCA performance

Abstract

The emission properties of terahertz(THz) photoconductive antenna (PCA) have been numerically studied by three-dimensional finite-difference-time-domain method based on the full-wave model. The dependence of the THz radiation on various parameters, such as laser power, bias voltage, substrate's material, pulse duration of the laser, beam spot's size, dimension of the antenna, were comprehensively simulated and analyzed. This work, on one hand, reveals the internal relationship between the THz radiation of a PCA and the involved parameters, so that one can have a better understanding of the PCA. On the other hand, it can inspire new PCA's design that aims at improved performance, such as high radiation power, enhanced optics-to-THz conversion efficiency, and broadband spectrum.