Evidence of terahertz emission from a particle plasmon Schottky barrier

Abstract

We demonstrate the potential utilization of a Schottky barrier in the plasmonic regime at terahertz (THz) frequencies. Experimental evidence of local THz plasmonic field enhancement via radiation from the space-charge distribution at a Schottky interface is shown. A 12% increase in the plasmonic-mediated transmission of THz radiation through random, dense ensembles of Cu particles is observed when a Cu x O/Au structure is introduced to the surface of the particles. The THz electric field induces oscillations of the local charge density at the Schottky interface leading to emission of high frequency radiation as the charges settle back into equilibrium. The non-linear THz response of the Schottky interface introduces the physical groundwork for the implementation of plasmonic circuits that have operational frequencies exceeding the limits of traditional semiconductor electronics.