ABSTRACT
Terahertz-frequency-range measurements can offer potential insight into the picosecond dynamics, and therefore function, of many chemical systems. There is a need to develop technologies capable of performing such measurements in aqueous and polar environments, particularly when it is necessary to maintain the full functionality of biological samples. In this study, we present a proof-of-concept technology comprising an on-chip planar Goubau line, integrated with a microfluidic channel, which is capable of low-loss, terahertz-frequency-range spectroscopic measurements of liquids. We also introduce a mathematical model that accounts for changes in the electric field distribution around the waveguide, allowing accurate, frequency-dependent liquid parameters to be extracted. We demonstrate the sensitivity of this technique by measuring a homologous alcohol series across the 0.1-0.8 THz frequency range.
ABSTRACT
We report on large-area photoconductive terahertz (THz) emitters with a low-temperature-grown GaAs (LT-GaAs) active layer fabricated on quartz substrates using a lift-off transfer process. These devices are compared to the same LT-GaAs emitters when fabricated on the growth substrate. We find that the transferred devices show higher optical-to-THz conversion efficiencies and significantly larger breakdown fields, which we attribute to reduced parasitic current in the substrate. Through these improvements, we demonstrate a factor of ~8 increase in emitted THz field strength at the maximum operating voltage. In addition we find improved performance when these devices are used for photoconductive detection, which we explain through a combination of reduced parasitic substrate currents and reduced space-charge build-up in the device.