I-Corps: Silicon Terahertz Electronics

这个项目是为了测试纳米尺度FET天线阵列的可行性，这些天线阵列的元素是以前从未探索过的用于太赫兹辐射与物体相互作用的新配置。这项工作将基于先前由NSF支持的研究，这些研究展示了独特的Si THz MOSFET和FINFET探测器。目前的方法将利用基于商用硅VLSI技术的廉价读出和图像处理电子设备。该项目将导致制造新的纳米级FET元件，形成带有天线的太赫兹探测单元。在HFSS中进行了天线的设计和仿真，以确保最大的效率。使用PI小组开发的软件工具解决了确定设备阻抗以减少反射和最大化天线增益的主要挑战。该项目将包括研究太赫兹与器件的相互作用和与天线结构的耦合，以及灵敏度、增益、噪声、温度相关性和噪声当量功率的分析。PI小组稍后将把单独的硅太赫兹探测器组合成大型阵列，以形成用于太赫兹成像的焦平面阵列(FPA)。该计划将开发的太赫兹系统将在国家安全、医学成像、制造、通信和光谱学等领域产生更广泛的影响。目前的太赫兹探测器存在成本高、室温下响应率低、噪声大、速度慢等问题。机场安检业已经发展到每年超过1300亿美元。最广泛使用和最有效的机场安检工具之一是身体扫描仪，它通常是基于X光的，会带来巨大的健康风险，特别是对经常旅行的人。这些系统的分辨率相对较低，导致许多假阳性检测。相比之下，太赫兹技术在机场安全方面是安全和有效的。太赫兹成像可以提供高分辨率的图像，并用X射线能量的一小部分照射对象，因此是一种更安全的解决方案。太赫兹辐射不能穿透金属，可以探测塑料，这使其成为探测隐藏武器的首选。它还可以用来检测爆炸物、毒素和其他潜在的安全威胁。拟议的探测器可以建立新一代太赫兹系统，它将利用这些独特的机会。

This project is to test the feasibility of nanoscale FET antenna arrays with elements of new, previously unexplored configurations for THz radiation interaction with objects. This work will be based on prior NSF-supported research that demonstrated unique Si THz MOSFET and FINFET detectors. The current approach will take advantage of inexpensive readout and image processing electronics based on commercial Si VLSI technology. The project will result in the fabrication of new nanoscale FET elements forming the THz detection units with antenna. Design and simulation of antennas has been performed in HFSS to ensure maximum efficiency. A major challenge of determining device impedance to reduce reflection and maximize antenna gain has been resolved using software tools developed by the PI group. The project will include studies of the THz interaction with the device and coupling to antenna structures and analysis of sensitivity, gain, noise, temperature dependencies, and Noise Equivalent Power. The PI group will later combine individual Si THz detectors into large arrays to form Focal Plane Arrays (FPA) for THz imaging. The broader impact of terahertz systems to be developed in this program is in the areas of national security, medical imaging, manufacturing, communication, and spectroscopy. Today's terahertz detectors are hampered by high cost, low responsivity at room temperature, high noise, and limited speed. The airport security industry has grown to be over $130 billion per year. One of the most widely used and effective airport security tools are the body scanner, which are typically X-ray based, posing substantial health risks, especially to frequent travelers. These systems suffer from relatively low resolution causing many false-positive detections. In comparison, THz technology is safe and effective for airport security. THz imaging can provide high resolution images and irradiates the subject with a fraction of the energy of X-rays, thus being a much safer solution. THz radiation cannot penetrate metal and detects plastic, making it a prime candidate for detecting hidden weapons. It can also be used to detect explosives, toxins, and other potential security threats. The proposed detectors could establish a new generation of THz systems which would exploit these unique opportunities.