Plasmon-Coupled Surface States for Low-Power Terahertz Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
High power input and low conversion efficiency of terahertz sources remain a challenge in exploiting terahertz applications, limiting the potential uses of terahertz technology.
Innovation Solution
Optical wavelength conversion devices utilizing plasmon-coupled surface states in semiconductor substrates with built-in electric fields, such as those generated by semiconductor surface states, Schottky contacts, or semiconductor heterostructures, to convert optical wavelengths to terahertz wavelengths without external electrical power sources, employing nanoantenna arrays and conductive layers with specific geometries to enhance efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional terahertz sources are used, then terahertz generation is achieved, but high power input and low conversion efficiency are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters by using plasmon-coupled surface states in semiconductor substrates with built-in electric fields, enabling direct optical-to-terahertz wavelength conversion. This approach achieves conversion efficiencies exceeding nonlinear optical methods by several orders of magnitude while reducing optical power requirements, directly resolving the energy efficiency contradiction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces plasmon-coupled surface states as an intermediary mechanism between optical input and terahertz output. The semiconductor substrate with built-in electric field (from surface states, Schottky contacts, or heterostructures) acts as a mediator that enables efficient wavelength conversion without requiring high power input or external electrical power sources
2Device complexity
If external electrical power sources are used for wavelength conversion, then conversion process is simplified, but device complexity and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by utilizing built-in electric fields within the semiconductor substrate that are generated internally by surface states, Schottky contacts, or heterostructures. This eliminates the need for external electrical power sources, simplifying the device while reducing overall power requirements through the plasmon-coupled conversion mechanism
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
Achieves high conversion efficiency, exceeding nonlinear optical methods by several orders of magnitude, enabling compact, reliable, and efficient terahertz generation with reduced optical power requirements, suitable for applications in sensing, imaging, and communication.
Implementation Method 1
optical wavelength conversion to any of a number of regions of the electromagnetic spectrum ranging from microwave to infrared regimes through plasmon-coupled surface states
Implementation Method 2
the semiconductor substrate comprises at least one region that has a built-in electric field
Implementation Method 3
the at least one electrode is capable of bending incident optical light to couple with the at least one region that has the built-in electric field
Implementation Method 4
the built-in electric field is generated by a source selected from the group consisting of: at least one semiconductor surface state, a Schottky contact, and a semiconductor heterostructure
Implementation Method 5
the built-in electric field is generated by a source selected from the group consisting of: at least one semiconductor surface state, a Schottky contact, and a semiconductor heterostructure
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for performing wavelength conversion via plasmon-coupled surface states are described that can be used for optical wavelength conversion to different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum ranging from microwave to infrared regimes in both pulsed and continuous wave operation.