Thermally powered terahertz radiation source using photonic crystals
US7078697B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 7, 2004 |
| Grant date | Jul 18, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 16, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01Q15/006
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Although THz radiation is naturally emitted by hot objects, the intensity levels are too weak to be considered as a practical THz source for most applications. Photonic crystal structures are used to modify the thermal emission peak associated with the standard Planck blackbody spectral distribution so that the THz region is dramatically enhanced. The photonic crystal core is preferably combined with variable Q defect cavities and a wave guiding and power combining structure so that the radiated THz energy is efficiently collected and directed to an output antenna. Higher THz emissions are realized by embedding a finer (higher frequency) photonic crystal structure within a coarser (lower frequency) structure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.