Popa-Simil I.L., Popa-Simil L., Popa-Simil I.L., Popa-Simil L.
LAVM Llc., US
Keywords: CMOS, detection, imaging, plasmon, T-ray
Terahertz imaging finds more and more applications in homeland security, medical, and life sciences applications. While THz sources and detection systems are gaining ground, the ability of electronics conversion systems to keep up with the development of these systems seems to be lagging behind. The THz domain is largely dominated by thermal noise and material characteristics altered by individual and collective modes of molecular vibrations and rotations. Currently, analog-to-digital (ADC) conversion systems are seen as the bottleneck for THz applications. ADC systems available to date have to down-convert the THz frequency into GHz domain and then digitize the signal, adding to the complexity, weight, size, and power requirements of any such system. Using a series of electromagnetic input resonator that selects the band and polarization in series with a plasmon resonator-amplifier the detected electromagnetic signal is applied to a very low current FET. The detection is based on the nonlinear carrier perturbation process that makes the function of a down-converter. A fast ADC is digitizing the detected signal applying it to a set of fast memories. The detection chain repeated for various frequencies and grouped in a single multiband module – eye unit, is further integrated into the imager.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 3, Nanotechnology 2008: Microsystems, Photonics, Sensors, Fluidics, Modeling, and Simulation – Technical Proceedings of the 2008 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 3
Published: June 1, 2008
Pages: 219 - 222
Industry sector: Sensors, MEMS, Electronics
Topic: Sensors - Chemical, Physical & Bio
ISBN: 978-1-4200-8505-1