Integrated wide-bandgap semiconductor photoconductive switch with a terahertz antenna

ABSTRACT: Digital Fusion Solutions and its partners North Carolina State University and Kyma Technologies will undertake the development of a wide band-gap (WBG) semiconductor based laser induced semiconductor switch (LSS). By leveraging expertise in fields of semiconductor manufacturing, antenna design, and physics in the terahertz frequency regime a down selection of materials will be done with parallel design paths explored to reduce risk. Materials have been examined with respect to their entire catalog of properties to determine the optimal solution. Antenna geometries will be developed targeted toward specific materials and operation scenarios. Prototypes will be tested, specified, subjected to durability testing. The results will be evaluated based on a model to be developed which will include a multi-physics solution accounting for thermal, electrical, physical, and electromagnetic physics. The final result will be delivered prototype WBG LSS devices. BENEFIT: It is anticipated that this effort will result in the design, fabrication, and characterization of prototype WBG LSS devices. These prototype devices will serve as the demonstration models for various applications of pulsed broadband terahertz radiation, including, but not limited to time domain spectroscopy. These devices and intermediate designs will serve as the transition to a commercial product line.