Polarisation-sensitive terahertz detection by multicontact photoconductive receivers

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel three-contact photoconductive terahertz detector capable of simultaneously measuring the amplitude and polarization of the electric field, enhancing studies of birefringent and optically active materials.

Contribution

A new multicontact photoconductive receiver design that enables polarization-sensitive terahertz detection with high extinction ratio on Fe+ ion-implanted InP.

Findings

Achieved polarization detection with extinction ratio > 100:1

Demonstrated simultaneous measurement of electric field components

Fabricated on Fe+ ion-implanted InP substrate

Abstract

We have developed a terahertz radiation detector that measures both the amplitude and polarization of the electric field as a function of time. The device is a three-contact photoconductive receiver designed so that two orthogonal electric-field components of an arbitrary polarized electromagnetic wave may be detected simultaneously. The detector was fabricated on Fe+ ion-implanted InP. Polarization-sensitive detection is demonstrated with an extinction ratio better than 100:1. This type of device will have immediate application in studies of birefringent and optically active materials in the far-infrared region of the spectrum.