Tunable Antenna Coupled Intersubband Terahertz Detector

TL;DR

This paper presents a tunable terahertz detector using a GaAs/AlGaAs 2DEG with a novel design that maintains high mobility and enables gate-controlled sensing, aiming for quantum noise-limited heterodyne detection in space.

Contribution

It introduces a new device design and fabrication process for a tunable terahertz detector with high mobility and gate control, suitable for space applications.

Findings

High mobility of 1.1x10^6 cm^2/V-s at 10K maintained in device

Gate voltage controls device resistance and enables THz sensing

Device aims to achieve quantum noise-limited heterodyne detection

Abstract

We report on the development of a tunable antenna coupled intersubband terahertz (TACIT) detector based on GaAs/AlGaAs two dimensional electron gas. A successful device design and micro-fabrication process have been developed which maintain the high mobility (1.1x106 cm2/V-s at 10K) of a 2DEG channel in the presence of a highly conducting backgate. Gate voltage-controlled device resistance and direct THz sensing has been observed. The goal is to operate as a nearly quantum noise limited heterodyne sensor suitable for passively-cooled space platforms.