Optimization of CMOS detector structures coupled with 2.58 THz miniaturized differential antenna and high-speed imaging

Abstract

This paper presents five different detector structures integrated with a 2.58 THz miniaturized differential antenna-on-chip (AoC) in a 55-nm standard complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) process. The primary goal is to study the impact of different connection methods on the performance of the detectors. The article provides a detailed analysis of the detector response models under gate-driven and source-driven modes, and derives a formula for calculating the responsivity (Rv). Additionally, this paper introduces what we believe to be a novel gate-driven series-structured detector, which achieved a maximum Rv of 343.9 V/W and a minimum noise equivalent power (NEP) of 150 pW/Hz1/2 at a modulation frequency of 195 Hz. At this frequency, imaging of items such as a screw within envelope and a scalpel blade was realized. Finally, this study also performed high-speed terahertz (THz) imaging of dry leaf at a modulation frequency of 100 kHz, clearly displaying the venation of the leaf.