High-power continuous-wave terahertz generation through plasmonic photomixers

We present a high-performance terahertz radiation source based on a photomixer integrated with a logarithmic spiral antenna that utilizes plasmonic contact electrodes to offer record-high continuous-wave terahertz radiation powers. Use of plasmonic contact electrodes allows increasing terahertz photocurrents fed to the antenna, resulting in significantly higher terahertz radiation power levels compared to conventional photomixers. We experimentally demonstrate continuous-wave terahertz radiation with a radiation frequency tuning range of more than 2 THz and a radiation power of 17 μW at 1 THz, exhibiting a 3-fold higher radiation power level compared to the state-of-the art.