Photonic devices for tunable continuous-wave terahertz generation and detection

A novel type of semiconductor beating source, a monolithically integrated dual-mode laser, and continuous-wave terahertz (THz) system adopting it will be investigated. The combined system of the beating source with broadbandantenna- integrated low-temperature-grown semiconductor photomixers shows the possibility of the realization of the cost-effective and compact continuous-wave THz systems. Such a system is highly-demanded to examine the THz finger prints of specimens without limitations. Since the optimized performance depends not only on the characteristics of functional devices but also module configurations, various approaches such as traveling-wave photomixers, Schottky barrier diodes, and nano-structure contained photomixers have been investigated to implement high-performance THz platforms as the main building blocks of a THz system. Semiconductor-based compact and cost-effective photonics technologies will envisage the bright future of THz systems.