Multichannel Photoconductive THz Antenna for Parallel Phase Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing terahertz radiation receiving antennas require sequential measurements to determine amplitude and phase, which is time-consuming and increases complexity, making it difficult to quickly and simply receive and analyze terahertz radiation.
Innovation Solution
A receiving antenna with multiple photoconductors connected in parallel to the antenna conductor, each with a high-pass filter, allowing simultaneous measurement of terahertz signals with different timing/phase using temporally offset optical signals, eliminating the need for sequential measurements and device adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sequential antenna current measurements are used to determine amplitude and phase of terahertz radiation, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but measurement time increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement function into multiple parallel photoconductors (first photoconductor and second photoconductor), each performing measurements simultaneously with different timing/phase. This segmentation allows amplitude and phase determination to occur in parallel rather than sequentially, reducing measurement time while maintaining accuracy through multiple simultaneous measurement points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a temporal dimension to the measurement system by using multiple photoconductors with different timing offsets. Instead of measuring at a single time point and varying phase sequentially, the system captures multiple time points simultaneously through parallel photoconductors, transforming a sequential temporal process into a parallel spatial-temporal process.
2Measurement precision
If sequential antenna current measurements are used to determine amplitude and phase of terahertz radiation, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but device complexity increases due to required adjustability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement function across multiple fixed photoconductors, eliminating the need for a single adjustable photoconductor. Each photoconductor has a fixed timing/phase relationship, and the system achieves comprehensive measurement coverage through the combination of multiple fixed elements rather than one adjustable element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates multiple copies of the photoconductor element (first photoconductor and second photoconductor), each with fixed timing characteristics. These copies work in parallel to provide the measurement information that would otherwise require a single adjustable photoconductor, simplifying the control system while maintaining measurement capability.
3Productivity
If multiple photoconductors are used for simultaneous measurement, then measurement speed increases and device complexity decreases, but electrical short-circuiting occurs without high-pass filters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces high-pass filters as intermediary elements between the photoconductors and the antenna conductor. These filters act as mediators that prevent direct electrical short-circuiting between parallel photoconductors while allowing the desired signal measurements to pass through. The high-pass filters enable the parallel configuration to function properly without requiring complex isolation circuits.
4Device complexity
If only one photoconductor is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement time increases due to sequential measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement task across multiple photoconductors operating in parallel. Instead of one photoconductor performing sequential measurements, multiple photoconductors perform measurements simultaneously at different timing points, dividing the measurement workload spatially to achieve temporal speedup.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous parallel measurement action through multiple photoconductors. While a single photoconductor must stop and reset between sequential measurements, multiple photoconductors maintain continuous measurement action simultaneously, eliminating idle time and improving overall measurement throughput.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables faster and simpler measurement of terahertz radiation, allowing for simultaneous determination of amplitude and phase without sequential measurements, facilitating applications in communication and sensor technology.
Implementation Method 1
a first photoconductor connected to the antenna conductor and activatable by light, the first photoconductor allowing, in an activated state, an antenna current flowing through the antenna conductor and the first photoconductor
Data Source
AI summary
Receiving antenna (1) for terahertz radiation (30), comprising an antenna conductor (2) and a first photoconductor (3) connected to the antenna conductor (2) and activatable by light (9), the first photoconductor (3) allowing, in an activated state, an antenna current (28) flowing through the antenna conductor (2) and the first photoconductor (3), characterized in that the receiving antenna (1) comprises at least one second photoconductor (4) connected to the antenna conductor (2) and activatable by light (9), the second photoconductor connected in parallel with the first photoconductor (3) and, in an activated state, allowing an antenna current (28) flowing through the antenna conductor (2) and the second photoconductor (4), wherein at least one respective high-pass filter (8) is connected between each of the photoconductors (3, 4) and the antenna conductor (2). The invention further relates to a receiver for terahertz radiation (30), a terahertz system, and a method for generating and detecting terahertz radiation (30) using such a terahertz system.