Resonant Tunnelling Diodes for Next Generation THz Systems

Baba, R., Jacobs, K. J.P., Stevens, B. J., Harisson, B. A., Watt, A. P., Mukai, T. and Hogg, R. A. (2019) Resonant Tunnelling Diodes for Next Generation THz Systems. In: 2018 IEEE British and Irish Conference on Optics and Photonics (BICOP), London, UK, 12-14 Dec 2018, ISBN 9781538673614 (doi: 10.1109/bicop.2018.8658306)

Abstract

Resonant tunnelling diodes (RTDs) are a strong candidate for future wireless communications in the THz spectrum (sub-millimetre waves), offering compact, roomtemperature operation with the potential to exceed the bit transfer rate mandated by the 12G-SDI standard, using a single wireless link. A free-space RTD emitter operating at 353GHz is described. The fabrication process consists of a dual-pass I-line photolithography & etch technique using an air bridge, allowing low resistivity ohmic contacts, and accurate control of desired device area. With extrinsic circuit elements taken into account, the intrinsic semiconductor efficiency is analysed to investigate structural improvements for radiative efficiency. Such optimised structures are presented, and then characterised after being epitaxially grown with commercially viable metal-organic vapour phase epitaxy (MOVPE) reactors. A combination of low temperature photoluminescence spectroscopy, X-Ray diffractometry, and transmission electron microscopy attest the quality of the new material. We end with a suggestion for the next steps to exceed technological readiness levels of 8, and use monolithic RTD emitters as components in new systems.

• Item Type: Conference Proceedings
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Hogg, Professor Richard and Baba, Mr Razvan and Watt, Adam
• Authors: Baba, R., Jacobs, K. J.P., Stevens, B. J., Harisson, B. A., Watt, A. P., Mukai, T., and Hogg, R. A.
• Subjects: Q Science > QC Physics; T Technology > TK Electrical engineering. Electronics Nuclear engineering
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Electronics and Nanoscale Engineering
• Journal Name: 2018 IEEE British and Irish Conference on Optics and Photonics (BICOP)
• ISBN: 9781538673614
• Published Online: 07 March 2019
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2018 IEEE
• First Published: First published in Proceedings of the 2018 IEEE British and Irish Conference on Optics and Photonics (BICOP)
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy