Mechanism and Properties of Point Contact W–Ni Diode Detectors at 10.6 µm

Abstract

The responsivity of the tungsten-nickel point contact diodes for the CO2 laser is investigated as functions of the contact pressure and the oxide thickness on the nickel post in order to determine the detection mechanisms of point contact MIM diodes at 10.6 µm. The data are compared with the current-temperature (I–T) characteristics and the theory based on the equivalent circuit model. A comparison of the above data and the I–T characteristics indicates that the point contact MIM diode acts as a tunnel diode. It is confirmed, from a comparison of the above data and the theory based on the equivalent circuit model, that the MIM diode operates as a square-law detector for the CO2 laser.

Optical rectenna with wide wavelength coverage from a hollow resonator coupled with a metal–insulator–metal tunnel diode

“…3) The experimental study using a tungsten cat whisker wire verified infrared radiation rectification based on the optical rectenna concept (for ranges up to 30 THz already in the 1970s). [4][5][6][7] Printed rectenna structures using a lithography technique have been also reported. [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19] The challenge for these structures was to reduce the area of the diode in order to reduce the capacitance.…”