High-power and compact terahertz signal sources using resonant tunneling diodes

Abstract

The use of terahertz (THz) electromagnetic waves is anticipated for high-capacity communications, sensing, imaging, and spectroscopic analysis. However, the output power of semiconductor THz signal sources remains low, limiting THz applications. Resonant tunneling diodes (RTDs) are promising candidates for THz sources due to their compactness and high-frequency operation [1]. For high-power operation, RTD oscillator arrays have been studied for power combination. Recently, a very high output power of 11.8 mW at 450 GHz was achieved by a 36-element coherent array using mutual injection locking [2]. In addition to power combination using arrays, attempts to increase the output power of a single oscillator have also been conducted. In this presentation, recent studies on high-power RTD THz oscillators will be introduced.