Broadband THz detection from 0.1 to 22THz with large area field-effect transistors

We report on ultrafast detection of radiation between 100GHz and 22THz by field-effect transistors in a large area configuration. With the exception of the Reststrahlenband of GaAs, the spectral coverage of the GaAs-based detectors is more than two orders of magnitude, covering the entire THz range (100GHz - 10THz). The temporal resolution of the robust devices is yet limited by the 30GHz oscilloscope used for read out. The responsivity roll-off towards higher frequencies is weaker than expected from an RC-roll-off model. Terahertz pulses with peak powers of up to 65kW have been recorded without damaging the devices. (C) 2015 Optical Society of America