Microwave Detection at 110 GHz by Nanowires with Broken Symmetry

Abstract

By using arrays of nanowires with intentionally broken symmetry, we were able to detect microwaves up to 110 GHz at room temperature. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the highest speed that has been demonstrated in different types of novel electronic nanostructures to date. Our experiments showed a rather stable detection sensitivity over a broad frequency range from 100 MHz to 110 GHz. The novel working principle enabled the nanowires to detect microwaves efficiently without a dc bias. In principle, the need for only one high-resolution lithography step and the planar architecture allow an arbitrary number of nanowires to be made by folding a linear array as many times as required over a large area, for example, a whole wafer. Our experiment on 18 parallel nanowires showed a sensitivity of approximately 75 mV dc output/mW of nominal input power of the 110 GHz signal, even though only about 0.4% of the rf power was effectively applied to the structure because of an impedance mismatch. Because this array of nanowires operates simultaneously, low detection noise was achieved, allowing us to detect -25 dBm 110 GHz microwaves at zero bias with a standard setup.

Graphene self-switching diodes as zero-bias microwave detectors

“…6 Simulations have shown the feasibility of achieving rectification in graphene using SSD structures. 7,8 SSD detectors have previously been realized in other materials [9][10][11][12] with the most promising results for GaAs SSDs in which an NEP of 330 pW/Hz 1 =2 at 1.5 THz was observed. 13 In this work, detection with rectifying graphene SSDs at frequencies up to 67 GHz is demonstrated.…”

Terahertz harvesting with shape-optimized InAlAs/InGaAs self-switching nanodiodes

“…Some methods to better match the channels into the acquisition systems have been recently proposed with good results: for example, the use of parallel arrays of SSDs in order to reduce the overall device resistance. 1,6 Here, we present have analyzed how the effective sensitivity γ 50Ω of a parallel array of optimized L-shape channels (reference geometry) changes while the number of elements increases.…”

“…[1][2][3][4] The novel functionalities that those devices exhibit such as the ability to detect extremely weak signals without applied bias, 5,6 their high sensitivity 7 and their capability to operate in the terahertz regime 5,8 make the SSD concept a rewarding tool that have opened a broad range of applications. 9 In this regard, an area of emerging interest where SSDs find potential applications is energy harvesting of long wave thermal infrared emission emitted by Earth.…”

“…Detection responsivities values around 75 V/W, has been exhibited by L-shape SSDs based on InAs/AlGaSb high-mobility samples. 1 Furthermore, Pan et al, 22 recently developed a long-wave infrared device able to recover the energy of radiation emitted thermal blackbodies, opening a new route for the design of advanced harvesting devices.…”

“…By using the V-shape geometry the lateral surface-charges are expected to be reduced leading to structures with lower resistance values; typically around some hundreds of kilo-ohms. 1 At this respect, some drawbacks concerning the resistance of the channels such as the difficult impedance matching with an acquisition system are expected to be improved.…”