This invention discloses a
terahertz detector based on the field-enhanced
quantum tunneling effect of a nano-gap, applicable to the fields of terahertz detection and micro / nanoelectronic devices. It addresses the problem of insufficient detection sensitivity caused by the extremely low
coupling efficiency of traditional tunneling devices with free-space terahertz
waves due to their extremely small size. The
detector of this invention includes a
dielectric substrate, a
metal receiving antenna, a nano-gap enhancement region, and a
signal monitoring circuit; its structure is a planar horizontal structure. This invention utilizes the
metal receiving antenna to collect incident terahertz
waves, thereby generating a high-intensity local
electric field in the nano-gap enhancement region. This local
electric field drives electrons in the
metal to undergo nonlinear
quantum tunneling or field emission within the nano-gap, achieving rectification and detection of the terahertz
signal. Compared to traditional detectors, this invention requires no external
light source pumping and possesses advantages such as room-temperature operation, large response bandwidth, high sensitivity, and ease of integration.