Plasma Wave Electronics

Theoretical investigations and technology developments during last years have created new conceptual approach to design and build a new class of plasma wave electronics detectors of terahertz (THz) wave range. Terahertz radiation corresponds to thefrequency bands of molecular and lattice vibrations in gases, fluids, and solids. THz detectors with higher sensitivity is urgently need for important applications. The purpose of the proposal to design, build, and demonstrate new plasma wave electronicsTHz detectors, which will allow reaching unprecedented levels of sensitivity to terahertz range of electromagnetic radiation. The concept of these THz detectors is based on resonance response to incident electromagnetic radiation at the plasma oscillationfrequencies of the two-dimensional electron system. These HEMT based terahertz detectors will be experimentally studied and modeled in detail to be optimized and compared with other type of THz detectors. OPTHUS team has experienced in theoretical studyand measurement of terahertz properties of HEMTs, in other THz detectors/sources development to succeed in the proposal aim. The development of plasma wave electronics in terahertz (THz) range will force such important applications as satellitecommunications, high-speed signal processing, noninvasive medical diagnostics, remote detection of explosions, and identification of hazardous chemical and biological agents. The proposed concept of these new THz detectors will enable unprecedented levelsof sensitivity of terahertz frequency electromagnetic radiation. The proposed sensors are going to be effective and relatively cheap. It is important both for homeland security and for industry growth. The plasma wave electronics detectors may be a keytechnology for new Terahertz Sensing systems. High sensitivity THz detectors could be used for design a wide range of space, industrial, biological, and medical commercial system.