Terahertz Detector Schottky Diode Array Normal Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current terahertz detectors face challenges in efficiently detecting weak terahertz signals due to low output power, signal loss, heat radiation, and noise, with existing detectors lacking in sensitivity, stability, and requiring low temperatures, which limits their widespread application.
Innovation Solution
A planar array structure comprising pixel units with sub-pixels connected in parallel, utilizing a terahertz wave sensitive unit, Geiger avalanche photodiode, and quenching resistor to enhance signal transformation efficiency and sensitivity, including materials like graphene, pyroelectricity, and Schottky diodes to improve detection accuracy and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a pyroelectric transducer is used for terahertz detection, then the detector can operate at normal temperature with simple structure, but the response time depends on temperature equilibrium process and cannot detect signals during temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection mechanism from temperature-based (pyroelectric) to electric field-based (Schottky diode), allowing operation at normal temperature without relying on temperature equilibrium processes. The Schottky diode responds to the electric field component of terahertz waves directly, eliminating the response time limitation inherent in thermal equilibrium processes.
2Measurement precision
If a Golay detector is used for terahertz detection, then the detector has wide response frequency band and high response sensitivity, but it is sensitive to vibration and has poor overall stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical detection mechanism of the Golay detector (which involves physical expansion and movement) with an electronic detection mechanism using a Schottky diode. This substitution eliminates sensitivity to vibration while maintaining high detection sensitivity through direct electrical signal processing.
3Measurement precision
If counting type terahertz detectors (single electron transistor or quantum cascade laser) are used, then they can detect photons at frequencies above 1THz, but they are ineffective for low energy photons below 1THz, require super low temperature, and are very expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection approach from photon counting (quantum-based) to field detection using a Schottky diode. This allows effective detection of low energy photons below 1THz that are inaccessible to counting-type detectors, while operating at normal temperatures and significantly reducing system complexity and cost.
4Measurement precision
If conventional terahertz detectors are used, then they can detect terahertz waves, but they lack sensitivity due to low output power, signal loss, heat radiation and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and amplifies the electric field component of the terahertz wave using the Schottky diode's nonlinear capacitance effect. By focusing on the electric field interaction rather than thermal or photon counting effects, the system achieves higher sensitivity with reduced signal loss and lower susceptibility to heat radiation and noise.
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
The proposed detector achieves high sensitivity and reliability in detecting terahertz signals with improved signal transformation efficiency, enabling effective detection of weak signals and reducing noise, while operating at normal temperatures, thus overcoming the limitations of existing detectors.
Implementation Method 1
the Schottky diode transforms the terahertz signal to an electrical signal
Implementation Method 2
Geiger avalanche photodiode
Implementation Method 3
materials like graphene, pyroelectricity
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides a terahertz detector. The terahertz detector includes a planar array structure that is constituted by a plurality of pixel units, the plurality of pixel units each comprise N sub pixels and each of the sub pixels comprises no more than one signal trigger configured to transform a terahertz signal to an electrical current pulsing signal, and each of the plurality of pixel units detects a signal that is a sum of the electrical current pulsing signals of the N sub pixels, where N is an integer greater than 1.