Thz detection employing modulation doped quantum well device structures
US7262429B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 28, 2003 |
| Grant date | Aug 28, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 15, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/544
- WIPO fieldMicro-structural and nano-technology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An improved THz detection mechanism includes a heterojunction thyristor structure logically formed by an n-type quantum-well-base bipolar transistor and p-type quantum-wellbase bipolar transistor arranged vertically to share a common collector region. Antenna elements, which are adapted to receive electromagnetic radiation in a desired portion of the THz region, are electrically coupled (or integrally formed with) the p-channel injector electrodes of the heterojunction thyristor device such the that antenna elements are electrically connected to the p-type modulation doped quantum well interface of the device. THz radiation supplied by the antenna elements to the p-type quantum well interface increases electron temperature of a two-dimensional electron gas at the p-type modulation doped quantum well interface thereby producing a current resulting from thermionic emission over a potential barrier provided by said first-type modulation doped quantum well interface. This current flows over the p-type channel barrier to the ntype quantum well interface, thereby causing charge to accumulate in the n-type quantum well interface. The accumulated charge in the n-type quantum well interface…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.