Plasmonics enhanced photomixing for generating quasi-continuous-wave frequency-tunable terahertz radiation

We experimentally demonstrate an order of magnitude enhancement in the quasi-continuous-wave radiated power from a photomixer with plasmonic contact electrodes in comparison with an analogous conventional photomixer without plasmonic contact electrodes in the 0.25-2.5 THz frequency range when pumped at an optical wavelength of 1550 nm. The significant efficiency enhancement results from the unique capability of the plasmonic contact electrodes to reduce the average transport path of photocarriers to the device contact electrodes, increasing the ultrafast photocurrent that drives the terahertz antenna. (C) 2014 Optical Society of America