Evolution of THz impulse imaging radar to 1550nm photoconductive switches

E. R. Brown, W. D. Zhang, A. Feldman, T. Harvey, R. P. Mirin, S. Sung, W. S. Grundfest, Z. D. Taylor

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

We present measurements of sub-bandgap photoconductivity and photoconductive switches using GaAs doped heavily with Er such that nanoparticles of ErAs are formed. In addition to strong resonant absorption centered around 1550 nm, the material provides strong sub-bandgap photoconductivity and >> μW average power levels when fabricated into an efficient (square spiral) THz antenna and driven by a 1550-nm ultrafast fiber laser. Photo-Hall measurements prove that the predominant photocarrier is the electron and the linearity of the 1550-nm photocurrent (with laser power) suggests that the photoconductivity is "extrinsic", not other possible mechanisms, such as two-photon absorption. These results have immediate relevance to the use of GaAs:Er switches as the transmitter in 1550-nm-driven THz imaging systems such as the "impulse imager" that we have successfully used for biomedical imaging applications.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationImage Sensing Technologies
Subtitle of host publicationMaterials, Devices, Systems, and Applications III
EditorsNibir K. Dhar, Achyut K. Dutta
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Electronic)9781510600959
DOIs
StatePublished - 2016
Externally publishedYes
EventImage Sensing Technologies: Materials, Devices, Systems, and Applications III - Baltimore, United States
Duration: 20 Apr 201621 Apr 2016

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume9854
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Conference

ConferenceImage Sensing Technologies: Materials, Devices, Systems, and Applications III
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBaltimore
Period20/04/1621/04/16

Keywords

  • Infrared
  • Photoconductive materials
  • Photoconductivity
  • Rare-earth-doped materials
  • Resonance
  • Semiconductor materials

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